(All Scriptures in the article are quoted from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible).
The website (www.daytranslations.com/blog/say-merry-christmas/) defines “Merry Christmas” as a greeting that reflects messages of love, joy, and well wishes to those who celebrate the holiday. The website says the greeting should erase anger and act as a bridge where misunderstandings dwell.
Christmas is a time for peace, putting aside anger and disagreements. That said, the holiday should inspire all estranged relationships among families and colleagues to set aside differences and forgive whatever grievance they have made against each other. Thus, they will bring a fresh start to their relationships by bridging love, harmony, and unity. Above all, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9, New King James Version).” Those who make peace sow the fruit of righteousness (James 3:18), thus bringing in a Merry Christmas (emphasis added). Along with peace, the website says “Merry Christmas” can connect people and build new relationships, including strangers.
During Christmas, we must not only consider people we know but also unfamiliar faces. The book of Hebrews says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so, some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). By offering hospitality and goodwill in the community, we can build new relationships and connect with people.
The general public hosts parades and tree-lighting ceremonies to entertain spectators. The public also organizes Santa Claus visitations to bring a spirit of joy and magic to children. Some organizations and churches organize food drives for needy families so they can enjoy a Christmas feast and provide toy drives to bless children, especially less fortunate children. Christmas carolers sing in the neighborhoods or at parking lots of apartment complexes to spread joy. With permission, carolers sing to church members, nursing home or assisted living residents, and restaurant patrons. At all Christmas festivities, we should be filled with the spirit to offer everybody a “Merry Christmas.” Along with peace, hospitality, and goodwill, “Merry Christmas” can uplift someone feeling down.
During Christmas, some people need cheering up because they are going through difficult times. These times might include grieving over the loss of a loved one through death or coping with a divorce. In those cases, they need Jesus to comfort them and give them a rejoicing spirit. Jesus assures His disciples that the world rejoices while they weep and lament. On the other hand, Jesus reassures the disciples their sorrow will turn into joy (John 16:20). This is why the Bible says, “Those who sow in tears shall reap for joy (Psalm 126:5).” So we should not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Although weeping may endure through the night [of Christmas Eve], joy comes on [Christmas] morning (Psalm 30:5), giving a Merry Christmas. The book of Proverbs says, “A merry heart does good like medicine (Proverbs 17:22). In that case, a “Merry Christmas” serves as a spiritual remedy that gives strength to a broken heart.
The book of Proverbs also says a merry heart makes a cheerful countenance (Proverbs 15:13). In that case, having the heart to greet others with a “Merry Christmas” should put a smile on people’s faces.
May everybody have a Merry Christmas!—Kenneth Sullivan.