Matthew 1:21 (King James Version)
"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
The last few years have seen an obvious change in the way businesses handle greetings for the Christmas holiday. When I was growing up, in fact, when our children were growing up, everyone wished each other a "Merry Christmas!"
But the last few years many stores and businesses have tried to be politically correct, so they started wishing folks "Happy Holidays" instead. This year, it seems like most of the clerks we have dealt with are just not saying anything. If we wish the clerk a Merry Christmas, we get a Merry Christmas in return. But if we don't say anything, they don't either. They just take our money, and go about their business. Has anyone else noticed this?
I realize that strangers who greet each other at this time of the year don't know if they are speaking to a Christian, or not. But hubby and I say Merry Christmas, regardless, because that is what WE are celebrating! Would I be offended if someone greeted me with Happy Chanukah? No, I would not. I would wish them a Happy Chanukah in return, without a moment's hesitation. Of course, Kwanzaa is not a religious holiday, but if I knew that someone was celebrating that time of remembrance, I would wish them Habari Gani, too.
I think the overall principle here is that it is to be a time of "Good Will Toward ALL Men." And that is what I try to live.
May you and yours have a wonderful Christmas time together.
10 comments:
Great post Rosemary. We have a similar situation here in England. A political thinktank even wanted to cancel Christmas this year for fear of offending people of other religions.
Just wanted to wish you and your family and a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2008!
Would also like to wish you lots of good health and happiness for 2008! You do a wonderful job over here at Blog Village Rosemary and we all really appreciate your hard work.
I can understand that European countries would be caught in this celebration quandary even more so that the US is Naomi. But the "Holy Day" is what it is - a Christian celebration. Cancel Christmas? Impossible. Cancel the national holiday? Well, they could do that, but they could never cancel Christmas.
I'm glad you are happy with what I have done with the Village, and I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, too!!
Merry Christmas Rosemary. I also appreciate all the hard work you do at blog village.
I was surprised when living in Japan that the Japanese who are not Christian celebrate Christmas. They string lights around houses and shops, put up trees and wreaths, exchange gifts and take the day off from work. At least they did in Misawa where we lived. I can't help but think that Jesus would be pleased that so many people are being kind to one another regardless of whether that kindness was in his name or just because. The greatest is love...
It would never have occured to me that an Asian country like Japan would have the day off for Christmas. And to think that they follow the secular customs of Christmas is interesting.
Thank you dear Rosemary. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I want to say so much, but will write short - Thank you. I have some medical problems that hardens my writings, but the knowledge of your eing supports me greatly.
I hope we will have ore active correspondence soon. Till then.
It's good to hear from you again, Thomas, even if it is short. Sorry to hear that you are having medical problems. I can certainly identify with that! May we both have a better year in 2008.
Thank you, Rosemary -- A very important reminder for all of us!
BFF,
Miss T
Good to see you here, Miss T. A belated Merry Christmas and a 20008 Happy New Year to you!!
I have noticed that cashiers and such don't say anything until I do...and I noticed, too, that Happy New Year was not the same.
Goodwill to all men...perfect!
Happy New Year, DB...and I hope you had a wonderful, merry Christmas!
We did have a very enjoyable Christmas, Marion. I hope you did, too, although I imagine you were busy with finding a new house, right?
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