All gifts come from one place, and that is the one true God of the universe.
‘Tis the season. Yes, the holiday season is upon us once again. The commercialism has kicked into high gear. When I make a purchase at pretty much any store, and gather my items into my arms (because I am too cheap to pay eight cents for a bag and my reusable ones are always safely tucked in my car), the clerk nearly always imparts to me the familiar, “happy holidays.” Now this salutation angers many people I know. They believe that saying “happy holidays” takes attention away from Jesus, when we should be giving Him thanks and celebrating His advent. This may be true. The commercial centers are always seeking to be politically correct and would not wish to leave out the many other calendar dates this time of year set aside to celebrate things other than Jesus Christ.
A little history for you. The term “happy holidays” really gained popularity in 1942 when the Irving Berlin musical hit the big screen, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Bing Crosby’s character is tired of show business, and when his dream of becoming a farmer falls to ruin, he opens Holiday Inn, which is only open on, you guessed it, holidays. He therefore writes and performs a song entitled “Happy Holidays”. The song is a promotion for the inn. So perhaps my grumpy friends are right; saying “happy holidays” encompasses more celebrations than should be recognized.
So, here is my suggestion to you. Your retort before Thanksgiving could be, “Happy Thanksgiving, may the Lord bless you.” Post Thanksgiving, “Merry Christmas”. (Just say it, it’s okay.) And after Christmas, “May God bless you in the new year.” Any variation of these would be acceptable; the idea is to turn all attention toward the only one who deserves it, praise to the one true God and Savior.
~Timothy Pearce
P.S. Just a side note. I always ponder to whom unbelievers give thanks on Thanksgiving. Is it the turkey, the store, or each other? Truly, all gifts come from one place, and that is the one true God of the universe, who gave us breath and life and, moreover, eternal life and salvation to those who believe.
Psalm 100 - A Psalm for giving thanks.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God!
t is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
