Merry Christmas to All

Christmas is here! With all of the hustle and bustle of shopping for gifts, many people forget the reason for Christmas. I was one of them, until someone said "Merry Christmas".

Yes, I know. It's only two words. It was an eye opener for me. As I rushed around worrying about money and what was I going to give to whomever this year, those two words made me slow down to reflect the real meaning for Christmas.

Today, so many people are afraid to say "Merry Christmas". It has turned into "Happy Holidays" instead. For me, "Happy Holidays" just isn't going to get it. It's generic and cold as far as I'm concerned.

I went into several different stores looking for my gifts. Listening to the Christmas music helped to put me into the spirit. But what really did it was when I started hearing what the sales clerks were saying to me. "Merry Christmas" was all it took.

It wasn't just one clerk at one store. No, it was almost every clerk at every store that I went in to. I was very quick to chirp back "Merry Christmas". I also said it extra loud so that all could hear me.

My son panicked. He thought I'd get sued for saying "Merry Christmas" to people I don't know. What a sad world we live in when I can't even say that to someone. I always thought I'd made it clear to my son that Christ is the reason for Christmas. I thought I had taught him that you stand up for what you believe in. Apparently, I didn't teach him well enough.

I made it very clear to my son now that I'm not afraid of being sued over two words. Even if they are very powerful words. They mean a lot to me and it seems to mean a lot to others. Because when I said "Merry Christmas" back, a huge smile appeared on their faces.

For the clerks that were kind of quiet and seemed down, I made sure I said "Merry Christmas" to them first. I was surprised at the light that I saw come across their faces. It was like turning on a switch.

What a difference two little words can make! Christians have let too much go by. We shrink back when a radical group says it is "politically incorrect" to say what we believe in. My challenge to you for this Christmas and all throughout the year is to say what you believe in. Stand up for your beliefs.

I hope everyone has a "Merry Christmas" and a "Happy New Year"! May God bless you in all that you do.