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A Christ-less Christmas is like counterfeit money. Counterfeit money looks and feels real but to the eye of a trained professional; it can easily be identified as “fake” or “phony”.
God sent to us his indescribable gift on that blessed Christmas day and yet there are many who celebrate but without remembering the true reason. If you take “Christ” out of Christmas, all you have left is “mas”. We have replaced some Christian symbols of Christmas, such as manger scenes, with generic decorations that represent the holiday. We have replaced Jesus with Santa. Is it Santa’s birthday?
It is no longer acceptable to utter the phrase “Merry Christmas” but instead it has been replaced with “Happy Holidays”. We lavish our family and friends with gifts forgetting that God gave us the greatest gift – His Son Jesus Christ. After all, it’s not about “the presents,” it’s about “His presence”.
Thus, it is not the exterior decorations (gifts, parties, family gatherings and church programs) that make the day special. It is Christmas in the heart (recognizing the true meaning) that allows us to celebrate. All the other external factors help create the setting but celebrating the real reason for the season allows us to focus on Christ. Even if you don’t celebrate at all, you should keep the attributes of Christ in focus every day of the year.
I don’t want to have a counterfeit Christmas. Do you? Let’s put Christ back in Christmas. Let’s value Him as the greatest gift we could ever receive.
Just so you know, I am not afraid to put out my nativity scene or say,
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Tags: Christ, Christian home, Christmas, counterfeit, counterfeit christmas, fake, gifts, God, Merry Christmas, phony, reason for the season, religion
My sentaments match up with yours in regard to a “Counterfeit Christmas”! I still participate with a tree and some presents, but I do not have jolly ol saint nick anywhere around, nor rudolph. I allow myself snowmen and winter scenes, but most of all I decorate with things that represent our risen Savior to celebrate His birth.
Merry CHRISTmas my sister in CHRIST!
Alberta, I agree. I was watching a christian station the other day and I heard a Pastor’s Christmas greeting and ended saying “Happy Holidays!” I’m not totally against happy holidays but I’m pro “Merry Christmas, May God Bless You and Yours.” I’m also seeing in Facebook a hunger and movement for the return of “Merry Christmas”. I’m hungry too and I am committed to spreading Christ in Christmas.
Thanks for sharing.
Yours in Christ,
SeashoreMary
When greeted with “Happy Holidays” I respond with “Merry Christmas” in the stores. Some sales associates have conviction and courage to say Merry Christmas and I thank them. We need to share our faith wherever we go and stand up for Christ. I appreciates your posts.
Merry Christmas and God Blessings to your family,
Denny and Nancy Krall
Denny, thanks for your comment. I also do the same when greeted with the phrase “Happy Holidays”. I just simply reply “Merry Christmas”. Great idea about thanking the salesperson when they say “Merry Christmas”.
May you have a blessed and merry Christmas! God’s best to you in 2012!
Albe