The "Occupy Wall Street" protests are getting a little stale, so it's time to look at another point of tension. It's the hotly debated topic of whether or not retailers and Americans in general should keep "Christ in Christmas." Ground zero of the argument is specifically saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."
The "Occupy Christmas" protests are a lot more digital than its predecessor, but money is still involved. Most people post their picket signs on facebook or twitter with complaints about others offering no regard to "the real reason for the season." The irony of most of those posts is that the only time most people post something on Facebook about Jesus is when they are complaining about other people not acknowledging Him. Really?? To make it Twitter compatible in 140 characters or less, I'd go with, "Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays? I don't think Jesus cares."
Some shoppers even threaten to boycott stores that say any salutation other than "Merry Christmas." I guess if you want to hit them where it hurts, the best place to aim is their pockets. But before you get the undies on your gingerbread men in a wad, let's think about this from a biblical standpoint.
Whose responsibility is it to tell people about Jesus? Whose responsibility is it to make sure His name is appropriately proclaimed? Whose speech, attitude, actions, and lives are REALLY suppose to be representing Christ?
In Scripture, Jesus said:
Acts 1:8- YOU are to be my witnesses...
Mark 8:29- Who do YOU say that I am?
Jesus never said "Walmart is to be a witness to my name." I can hear people telling Jesus, "some people are saying Happy Holidays and some Winter Solstice and some Happy Kwanza and not even telling people Merry Christmas?!?!" And I could imagine Jesus saying, "I don't care how Hallmark is portraying me on their cards, who do YOU say I am? What is YOUR life conveying to the world about who I am?"
Jesus calls believers to represent Him and make his name famous in the world today. A retailers job is to sell you reasonably well-crafted products at a competitive price. Their mission statement is not Matthew 28:18-20 and purpose statement is not Acts 1:8.
It's not Hallmark's responsibility to tell people about Jesus on their Christmas cards. It's not the job of some retail corporate giant to acknowledge Jesus in their marketing and advertisements. As followers of Jesus, it's OUR responsibility to tell people about Jesus.
So stop freaking out. Step down off the soapbox and enjoy some eggnog. Stop shifting the blame onto secular organizations for not talking about Jesus. Stop posting sappy monologues on Facebook about people taking "Christ out of Christmas."
Stop trying to "Occupy Christmas" and go tell someone about Jesus.
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