Whether someone believes in Christianity or not, it celebrates the birth of Jesus, a humble carpenter born into what we would think of as a barn who taught people to love each other and to treat each other the way they would want to be treated.
Christians should also feel free to say “Merry Christmas” to people in general because it celebrates an advocate of love and equality when those values are the staples of a free public. This doesn’t mean that they are forcing anyone to become Christian.
This time of year, Christians who want to promote a Christian presence in the public square and protect their freedom of expression should mainly be concerned with the phrase “Happy Holidays.” This phrase has been said to be the most respectful to everyone because it includes all holidays and doesn’t force the word “Christmas” on people who are not Christian. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It has not given everyone’s beliefs equal attention but instead erased Christmas from most commercials and much of the public eye and ear in other ways as well. In fact, people in certain workplaces and schools are discouraged from even saying it.
Christians, however, have a right to wish each other “Merry Christmas” at work, school, or the mall. No one else should complain who genuinely believes in freedom of expression. Whether someone believes in Christianity or not, it celebrates the birth of Jesus, a humble carpenter born into what we would think of as a barn who taught people to love each other and to treat each other the way they would want to be treated. Jesus taught people about real love and equality before being killed. This is who Christmas celebrates, and that is why Christians should contact companies and politely let them know that they want Christmas mentioned in their commercials. Christians should also feel free to say “Merry Christmas” to people in general because it celebrates an advocate of love and equality when those values are the staples of a free public. This doesn’t mean that they are forcing anyone to become Christian.
The Jewish people, the sisters and brothers of Christians, should also have their faith honored this time of year, but a Jewish person will also tell you that it should not be done by banishing Christmas and keeping Christians from expressing their faith openly. Other religious practices that occur this time of year should also be honored, but once again, they should not be misused as an excuse to push Christians around and hide their holiday. People of all religions and even people who are not religious should stand in solidarity on this issue by recognizing that the phrase “Happy Holidays” has been used to silence Christians when a free public should never condone the suppression of non-violent religious expression.