Wordsmith Wednesday

Did your Granny ever tell you not to "get your panties in a wad?"  No?  Well, that's one of the cute, quirky little sayings that my Granny had and it still comes to mind under certain scenarios.

One of those scenarios is when Christians get all uptight (aka: their panties in a wad) about people saying "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas."    I understand the underlying objection:
"They're leaving Christ out of Christmas!"  But really now, does saying the words make an individual or a culture Christian?    Of course not.  We can say the words and exclude him just as thoroughly.  Why are we anxious to have those who don't believe in Christ, throw his name around in a meaningless and non-chalant manner anyway?  Do we not regard his name more highly than that?  Afterall, his name, because it represents his person, is to be revered.

If it still bothers you, consider this.  The alternate greeting "Happy Holidays" also carries Christian undertones.  The word "holiday" means "HOLY day."  And what does "holy" mean?  Even by the standard dictionary definition it means "belonging to or coming from God; consecrated; sacred."

So, these days ahead are recognized as HOLYDAYS.  And what makes a day holy?  Being set apart for sanctified use. So even when they think they're escaping him, leaving him out, they aren't.  Indeed, they can't.  He is inescapable.  It will take them a while to figure out that they're still acknowledging him, but that's OK.  In the meantime, when you're greeted with "Happy Holidays" just breathe and smile, knowing that Christ is in the midst of that greeting as well.