It occurred to me this Christmas season that we have lost our cultural capacity to bless each other. The last two holiday seasons saw us argue about whether or not it was ok in our present sophisticated, pluralistic society to say “Merry Christmas” in public. The news media reported the conclusion: we may say “Merry Christmas” in public if it is a reply to a well-wisher. Those who protested the removal of the word Christmas from the holiday season greeting options felt somehow vindicated, many were quite smug about their “victory.”
[picapp align=”left” wrap=”true” link=”term=blessing&iid=3166561″ src=”1/2/6/6/Small_Town_Faces_f32b.jpg?adImageId=8533490&imageId=3166561″ width=”380″ height=”253″ /]
I had the privilege of securing a marriage to one of the most pleasant people on the planet. People like to be around my wife; she makes most people feel at ease. As we shopped together Michelle would cheerfully say, “Merry Christmas” in public to retailers and other people with whom we came into conversation. Only a few easily replied, “Merry Christmas.” Some choked the words out, others responded “Happy Holidays,” the majority stood silent and looked stunned. How dare she in such innocent voice utter such bombastic language?
Our culture has not “believed” in Christmas in decades, but once upon a time not so very long ago it was culturally desirable at least to bless each other. It was considered preferable to speak kindly, especially in the retail setting, whenever a person had the opportunity. “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Easter,” “Happy St. Patrick’s Day,” even “Happy Hanukkah” were fine greetings to exchange if the date warranted it. People used to say, “How are you?” and actually expect a reply as opposed to just brushing past without allowing a response. When I was young we at least pretended to care about each other. Not so anymore, I am afraid.
I came across a beautiful greeting recently and thought it worth sharing during this season of either “blessing silence” or empty exchange of pleasantries.
How truly I love you! We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul! (3 John 1-2, The Message)
When’s the last time someone said something like that to you? Those who belong to Jesus should oft be saying and praying (and meaning) such things.
TheNarrowRoadPursued 
Amen, and again I say, Amen. What I say is “God bless us everyone” who stands and rejoices in the Lord our God whom we celebrate. If I know a person celebrates some other holiday, I will wish them well on most…however Christmas is why people celebrate December 25th and until they change the name of the holiday I will celebrate Jesus Christ because GIVING blessings is the heart of the great blessing we received so very long ago in Him. Glad you’re writing again.
Perhaps the new *culturally appropriate* retail greeting: happy hollow-days?!?!! The commentary of days yonder is interesting…
I love it…Happy Hollow Days! Wish I would have thought of it:)
I went shopping on Christmas Eve Eve among all the hustle and bustle. I made it a point to say “Merry Christmas” to the sales clerks. There was a mixture of responses. Some people looked at me as if I was weird, others smiled, some made no recognition of what I said, some said, “Thank You.” I think only 1 or 2 replied “Merry Christmas”. It was definitely different from last year and the years before. I don’t like the change.