Question: Is it OK for Christians to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”?
Answer: Around this time of year, we hear people talking about the “War on Christmas,” and certainly
we can see signs within our culture of a deemphasis on the birth of Jesus as the central focus of the
season.
But should Christians insist on using the phrase “Merry Christmas” rather than any alternative expressions of holiday greeting?
If you study the history of the Christian church, you will find that many groups, such as the Puritans,
actually discouraged the celebration of Christmas as much too worldly. Puritans who were caught
celebrating could even be punished! So the “War on Christmas” didn’t always come from the surrounding
culture. Sometimes it came from within the church.
The opening verses of 1st Corinthians chapter 13 are an emphatic reminder that no form of spiritual
expression has any value if it is not built on a foundation of love.
Since Jesus is the “reason for the season,” and knowing that He showed us that there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for another, maybe we can set aside our differences of opinion regarding proper holiday etiquette and focus instead on sharing the love that embodies the Christmas message.
In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul gives us this insight: “One person regards one day above
another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.”
(Romans 14:5)
That verse reminds us of our freedom to celebrate any holiday as much or as little as we
choose to. So for those who want to go all-in with the festivities – the lights, the presents, the carols and
the bells – you are free to do so. For those who want to limit their holiday expressions solely to “Merry
Christmas,” you are also free to do so.
And for those who would like to expand their annual words of cheer to include “Happy Holidays,” “Season’s Greetings” or even “Happy Hanukkah,” you are equally free to do so.
Further down in the same chapter, Paul sums things up with these words: “So then we pursue the things
which make for peace and the building up of one another.” (Romans 14:19)
That seems most appropriate as we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace.
May the Lord bless you and those you love throughout this glorious holiday season.
Dr. Steve Rahter
Pastor
Praise Tabernacle
Egg Harbor Township
