Merry Christmas 

In 2007 I did a series of sermons at Broadman Baptist Church on the true meaning of Christmas. Just in case there is any doubt about what the true meaning of Christmas is, it is found in the actual word Christmas. The meaning and reason for Christmas is Christ.

I realize that Christmas, as it is celebrated today, has many pagan and secular connections. I don’t fear these origins or traditions, nor do I believe that we should stop celebrating Christmas because of these things. Instead we must embrace what Christmas represents. The Truth of Christmas is that Christ came to dwell among His people to save them from their sins. That is the meaning of Christmas. This is the story we need to be telling…we need to say “Merry Christmas” and really mean it. We need to spred good tidings and great joy. Christmas is an opportunity to share this message.

There is however a problem. Having made the meaning of Christmas clear, we now need to understand that some want to remove the meaning of Christmas. There are some who are so called “Christians” who don’t want to embrace the American Culture of Christmas and use it as an opportunity to reach people for Christ. If I can use a Christmas tree or wreath to win someone to the Lord then I will. There are also those who want to secularize Christmas altogether and do not want any mention of “Christmas.” It is this later reason that I want to address.

It seems that the older I get the more “Christmas” is under attack. I went to a nutcracker ballet a year or so ago and got to meet with the cast and curiator of the place we were attending. They kept saying, “Happy Holidays.” This was driving me crazy, so I kept saying back to them "No, Merry Christmas.” Finally one of them said thank you, we are not allowed to say that!

It is sad that what is historically the Christmas season has been degraded to “Happy Holidays” so not to offend others or to try and incorporate all the Holidays into one. Ever since this experience I won’t say “Happy Holidays” because of the movement to remove “Christmas” from our culture, there by trying to remove “Christ” from our culture. Enough is enough. “I DON’T CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS! I CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!”

Now I greet my congregation during the Christmas season by saying “Happy Holidays” and they say back “No, Merry Christmas!” I love it!!!!

Help keep the true message of Christmas alive. Don’t celebrate the holidays…celebrate Christmas and be proud of it!

Pastor Chris