Does Jesus Really Miss Hearing “Merry Christmas”?
This large billboard by my house is an example of why I generally don’t like these signs that put words in the mouth of God or Jesus. Here’s one in particular: would Jesus really say he misses hearing us say “Merry Christmas” (which I do say)?
First, isn’t that at times a part of the whininess of modern Christianity where we expect to be treated with respect and privilege — in contrast to the muscular faith of the New Testament?
And second, isn’t it possible that Jesus isn’t highly invested in having his birth connected to the present-giving holiday? Now, I’m pro-Christmas; but I grew up in a vehemently anti-Christmas tradition. We were told we couldn’t attach any religious significance to Christmas because it isn’t mentioned in the Bible and because we don’t know when Jesus was born.
Just recently someone forwarded an email sent out to everyone in their large congregation saying that a separate communion service would be held the Sundays before and after Christmas that would have NO connection to the season. (Two hours later after there was a furor, another email was sent around asking people to ignore the first email.)
All of that to say this: perhaps we should make the point we want to make on our billboards without quoting God. Or perhaps make the point with our lives.
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Here’s a good family week: our granddaughter is in town, we have two AHS basketball games, Texas plays someone — I’ve forgotten who — for the national championship, and the Cowboys are hosting a playoff game.
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Is this the year for jumping into some serious study of the New Testament? Go to Amazon and check out recent works by N. T. Wright, Richard Hays, Luke Timothy Johnson, Scot McKnight, Michael Gorman, and Michael Bird.
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Take time to struggle through the scenario Larry James writes about — a scenario that he says has no easy answers — in “Looking Out From Under a Dirty Hoody.”
Maybe we could collect some dough and replace that billboard near your house with one that says: “Stop quoting me as saying things I never said. ~ God.”
Or maybe not.
While many groups have hi-jacked “Christmas” for their own purposes, this is the way the Christian/Religious Right have hi-jacked Christmas…so that society will be forced to accept their view of life.
If we want our society to adopt a Christian world-view it is only going to happen one person at a time, as they are transformed by the living gospel breaking forth in their lives…not by legislation, propaganda, or protest.
Grace and peace,
Rex
Growing up in the church, I was exposed to all this anti-Christmas talk.
I now think that was a way to , well, abuse us. I felt close to Christ when I thought of Christmas, read my Bible more and as a child I loved to look at the lights and think I may of missed the angels proclaiming his birth the first time, but the lights and merriment in my celebration of Christ is a big thing when you are not a rich person finacially, but in Spirit.
People were thinking of other people. In advertising you know that saying Merry Christmas puts the words Christ on peoples lips and minds. I do not think that is wrong. I think the dourness in our tradition sure doesn’t match what Christ Himself grew up in practicing in the Jewish faith. I smile when I think he went to a wedding and helped his friends by his gift of good wine and obeying his mom. Laughter is a good thing and I think there should be more of it not less. In Isaiah, God says the smartest of us still don’t have a clue to the thoughts of God and I believe that. Man always tells us what is suppose to be Gods thoughts and still the laughter of a child is the wisest sound of all.
Mike,
Thanks for your words about the billboards. I recently received one of those unsoliticted emails sent out to hundreds. From an unknown fellow alumnus, the email complained that the generic “Seasons Greetings” email from our alma mater did not include the word “Christmas.” He never thought, said the alum, that our school would someday take Christ out of Christmas. Never mind that our school, F-HU, is the bastion of that tradition that would say Christ and Christmas have nothing in common. Folks from the Churches of Christ have even more reason to stay off of the cultural-Christmas bandwagon. We sound like Mormons complaining about bad coffee.
All billboards are barfy, but particularly those. Somebody hold my hair back while I…
qb
P. S. Well, all billboards except for the one about God’s creatures next to the mashed potatoes.
I live in alabama and love your dig at the Crimson Tide. Go Gators:)
It’s a po-dunk team called the Alabama Crimson Tide,and the eyes of everyone in the state of Texas will be frozen with awe when they see their precious team demolished by a power-conference team from the SEC. Colt McCoy is in for an adventure Thursday. The Tide will Roll right over the longhorns — sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Roll Tide!
I grunted with satisfaction at “muscular faith”. I’m not sure if that was your intent but apparently my subconscious agrees vehemently with that statement. I like it!
I’m thinking you may be able to recall the name of that other team by late Thursday night, my dear friend from Texas — if you are still conscious at that time. If that’s the case, Buddy Bell and I will be glad to call and remind you…
Frank, how DID that one guy manage to do a “reply all” to all of us? I found that pretty comical myself. Apparently, he had forgotten where he went to school.
It’s off-topic, I know, but your twitter about going to the wrong office is HILARIOUS!!
So I can presuppose you did not like the WWJD bracelets either.
I remember what the red tide was from my days on the coast, a bacterial contamination.
I’d be more then willing to offer a billboard to rent on IH20 in Abilene or even Treadway as long as Clint comes up with some catchy saying. One of our favorite sayings at our church is “Jesus says don’t be a … ” well you get the point. Another is Breathe…that would be a good billboard. Oh and by the way that is not our billboard we are too busy renting out to the Whitten Inn.
“Billboards are the work of the Devil” – Jesus, or was that Lady Bird Johnson.
So many times I have tried to explain how I grew up thinking it was un-christian to associate Christ with Christmas. No matter what comes to mindI can’t do it. I ususally end up just scratching my head and saying “You had to be there. At the time it seemed to make sense.” I’m sure we will try to explain “Billboards from God” the same way someday. Seemed like a good idea at the time…
Oh and I am all for saying “Merry Christmas” but sometimes my cards say “Happy Holidays”. I’m not trying to take Christ our of Christmas, but I have 3 kids and a busy life so I don’t always get those cards in the mail before December 25th. With New Years a week later, I can stretch the holiday greeting out longer and not look like a slacker. OR maybe the design at HEB with “Happy Holidays”on it is cuter or goes best with my picture that year. In any case, I truly doubt Jesus is offended by the greeting on my Christmas cards.
I’m sure you needed to know that!
Happy New Year!
I find the fear of “Happy Holidays” to be so strange. I admit I am over 65; and, for most of my lifetime, saying “Happy Holidays” did not bother anyone. Andy Williams sang “Happy Holidays”, and we happily sang along with him. The “holidays” included all the days around Christmas and New Years. It was never thought of as unChristian or as a way to leave Christ out of the season. I think this is an just idea someone came up with lately because they like the idea of thinking the world is trying to persecute them for their faith. Makes me sad. Sorry, had to get this off my chest.
We had that same billboard in North Atlanta, Mike. I just told my dad about it last week and I said the same thing – I’m not a fan of putting words into Jesus’ mouth. I’m pretty sure he had nothing to do with that billboard going up. I suppose whoever was responsible had good intentions, but it was so very poorly executed.
There’s a lot to be said for being Jewish! Happy Hanakuh!
AND
ROLL TIDE ! ! !
I am a fan of putting the X back in Xmas simply because we Christians have been so whiny about the whole topic. Isn’t there something more significant we can put our energies toward? Anyway, a belated (or very early) Merry Xmas to all!
Hey Mike. I couldn’t find the place to send an email. Have you read Sinners: Jesus and His Earliest Followers by Greg Carey? Started my copy yesterday.
We don’t miss billboards of any kind AT ALL.
Regarding your prediction in the Rose bowl, I would that that could be true, but I’m afraid we’re both delusional.
About the game to be played in the Rose Bowl tonight, it might be the Texas team and fans will be exceptionally surprised at how welcoming and hospitable Californians are to them. Especially when one considers how California[ns] are held in such low esteem by many Texans.
Here’s another example of whiny Christian expression:
This week Brit Hume suggested on Fox News that Tiger Woods needs to become a Christian because Buddhism doesn’t offer forgiveness. After criticism came that proselytizing isn’t really the job of a news anchor, he hid under the we-Christians-are-so-persecuted subterfuge with this: Whenever you mention the name of Jesus all hell breaks loose.
First, does it occur to him that the VAST majority of people in this country still claim to be Christians (despite the massive bailout that continues by people under 30!)? And even admitting that there is some anti-Christian bias, does it ever occur to him that we follow one who was persecuted and crucified? “In this world you will have troubles,” Jesus told us.
Here’s how humorous it looks when parodied well.
Thanks for your last comment Mike. That bit on the ‘The Daily Show’ hit the nail on the head. That same night, the one on ‘the good ol’ days’ was just as brilliant, and relevant to this topic as well.
Is it a Church of Christ thing that a Christian must be perfect and if they are not kick them? Or does politics dictate who is a true Christian? I do not want to put words in the mouth of Jesus but I think this puts a tear in his eye.
It wasn’t the Rose Bowl – it was the BCS Championship Game . . . ROLL TIDE ! ! !
Waiting for some recognition on your part about who won some game in Pasadena last night.
Mike,
Since you brought up Brit Hume and his comments directed towards Tiger Woods – I believe you made reference to whiny Christian expression. Perhaps you would be interested in this Michael Gerson editorial – from the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/07/AR2010010703244.html
Peace,
Geezer
Geezer,
Thank you a thousand times for pointing me the the article by Gerson. I just do not think it can be answered, and I will leave it at that.
Gerson’s article couldn’t have gotten it more wrong. Hume’s comments were a power play. If Hume were ultimately concerned about Tiger Wood’s absolution, he would have contacted him and spoke to him directly. Hume’s unequal power play was this — he used his position on a national media stage in essence tear down a belief system of someone for whom he could not allow a response.
Criticism of someone’s beliefs on a national media stage in a situation that Tiger Woods was not involved in is a power play. Again, if Hume really felt this out of his heart, he’d pick up the phone privately and call Tiger to tell him about Jesus. Hume saw a cheap shot against another man’s beliefs and took it.
Daniel,
Please inform us how he could have picked up the phone and called Tiger considering no one is quiet sure where he is. I am also surprised that you seem to know the heart of Mr. Hume.
lc-All I know is Brit Hume is an idiot if he thinks that what he did is an effective means for sharing the gospel. I don’t need to know the guy’s heart to figure that one out.
And yes, you sidestepped my point. Gerson is wrong if he thinks Brit Hume was innocently proselytizing and had no power through his position in the media to slam another person. I trust Hume to know his comments weren’t an effective means of evangelization — so the only option I’m left with is that he wanted to make sure all of the Christians watching Fox knew Tiger was a bad man for being a Buddhist.
Daniel,
You need to seriously chill. Enjoy life a little.
In regards to the Christmas question, my thoughts are here:
http://ajrasking.blogspot.com/2009/12/merry-christmas-whether-you-like-it-or.html
As far as the Brit Hume discussion goes…
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love… The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble… But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
- from Philippians 1:15-18
So what if Brit Hume used a national stage to preach the Gospel? So what if he suggested Tiger Woods seek Christianity from a position of widespread attention?
Why do you think Jesus performed miracles? Why do you think John the Baptist was sent? Why did Peter speak in the crowd on the day of Pentecost? Why did Paul speak in the synagogue, the marketplace, and the Areopagus in Athens?
If you’ve got something really important to say, you’re not going to whisper it in the corner, hoping that people listen. If you’ve got something really important to say, you’re going to shout it from the most prominent place you can.
To judge – and even worse, to MOCK – Brit Hume for simply being open with his faith in a place of high esteem is to take part in the VERY SAME persecution that Brit, as well as Paul, Peter, John, James and even Christ Himself, said comes from speaking out about the Truth.
“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.”
- Luke 6:22
And what’s worse – people are using their positions here on a semi-anonymous stage to, in essence tear down what may very possibly have been one man’s genuine attempt at following the message of Truth which he believes, and yet not allowing that man a response.
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”
- Romans 2:1
I am appalled by the presumption that anyone but God and Brit Hume himself knows what Brit Hume’s motivations were for suggesting Tiger Woods seek Christianity. I applaud Mr. Hume for his bravery and resolve to stand for his faith. Tiger Woods may not convert to Christianity because of what Brit Hume said, but it’s entirely possible that someone else who was watching will.
But what if even one person converts, and then finds Christians arguing about whether or not Brit Hume suggesting Christ to Tiger Woods on Fox News was a good thing?
“If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels.”
- Mark 8:38
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord… But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life…”
- from 2 Timothy 1:7-9
qb’s not mocking Brit Hume; in fact, qb is a big fan of Hume and his former colleagues at FNC. He’s one of the best anchors around.
Hume blew it with this one.
It’s well past time to dispense with bracelets and t-shirts and billboards and media more generally. The more we rely on them, and the more we are *perceived* to be relying on them to get “our” message across – whatever it is, and assuming against the evidence that the message is a singular one – the more of a mockery we make of ourselves and the greater reproach we bring on the church.
Whatever it was that Hume was doing, it wasn’t “testifying.” He was merely taking potshots from a distance, and it’s not comely. If anyone is truly converted by Hume’s little snit, qb’ll eat his hat.
qb
Qb-amen!
Lc-it’s obvious that you failed debate class, because as soon as you feel a little heat, you insult the other person by telling them to chill out — as if I’m throwing a tantrum and you’re on some level head. But if it makes you happy, go ahead and take your little ad hominem pill. Just don’t expect the kids to play nicely with you anymore.
What a tragic exchange this is!! There has been only person here to look to God’s word to form their opinions. Wondering or doubting that Hume’s words will result in shame for the ‘church’ [not Jesus, the church] seems to deny God’s word that Paul wrote to the Romans about the gospel being the power of GOD not man’s words.
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
No matter how we may bumble around presenting God’s Word for salvation He and His Spirit will see that the Word is presented well to the hearts of the listeners. At least imho.
And btw- I appreciate Hume’s attempt to offer the healing balm of forgiveness to Tiger to be found only in our LORD’s love, and hopefully, in the heart’s of God’s children as well.
Kathy,
Very well put. I also wonder if Hume would have gotten the third degree if he worked for any other network other than Fox? Daniel, I love you brother, and that is not said with sarcasm.
Yup… I have a beef with all 24-hours news networks. None of them are “news”, just obnoxious rants — Maddow and Olbermann are the worst – their journalism is junior high. And Hume panders to intolerance. I could go on down the list…
P.S. I find it odd to tell someone you’ve never met you love them as a brother after you gave up on an argument — it comes across as condescending and paternalistic. But don’t worry, I love you too.
Sorry Daniel, but I know you well. I just go by my middle and last initial when I post to this blog. I taught At Harding Academy and have a son named Andrew and a daughter named Heather. Your dad was also one of my favorite teachers at the Grad school. I have always liked you and I know you have strong beliefs. I did not give up on the argument. I just felt like you needed to relax a bit. I know I could be wrong, but that was my opinion. I also admire what you do for a living. I hope this clears up for you why I would feel comfortable telling you that I love you. God bless.
No, Kathy, we have a deep problem with our street cred precisely because of incidents like this, and because of the patronizingly indignant posture we take when we think we’ve been misunderstood because of those incidents. Shouting pious platitudes (“Jesus saves!” “Read the Scriptures and you’ll see!”) at the culture doesn’t change the culture; it hardens the culture.
qb is not ashamed of the gospel; he’s ashamed of the enculturated church, which has adopted the twin strategies so characteristic of our culture: (a) an ear-grating shrillness adopted from our culture’s political “discourse” (such as it is), and (b) a consumerist posture toward our mission, which blunts the hard edge of self-sacrifice that is the essence of agape. By adopting those strategies, we give our game away: we do not believe what we say we believe about the way the Spirit works in the world to further God’s eternal purposes. We parade our piety before the pagans (e. g., “See You at the Pole”) as if to say: “Y’all don’t believe we will stand our ground in your secular culture, but here’s some in-your-face, front-page, above-the-fold proof that we will, and by the way, why don’t you join us at church next Sunday?”
*sigh*
qb
qb — amen and amen! If we think actions like Hume’s exemplify the right way of being a light to culture, then we’ve completely missed the message of the kingdom.
lc — All I can say is this is not the first time you’ve told me to relax after I countered you with a differing viewpoint. I tend to believe ad hominem is not an effective conversation technique, but to each his own. However, I will try to take your advice on relaxing — no more opinions or discussion for me, because my youthfulness, and the hot-tempered thoughts that might emanate from it, clearly de-legitimate any opinion I might have.
“qb is not ashamed of the gospel; he’s ashamed of the enculturated church…”
What HE said.
Here in the intensely multi-ethnic, multi-cultural greater NYC metro area “Merry Christmas” is fine for individuals but makes little sense for businesses and is downright offensive in public schools. When you’re rubbing shoulders on a daily basis with Jews, Muslims, atheists, Christians of multiple traditions, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists (need I go on?) the perspective is quite a bit different from someplace like where I was raised. In northeast Missouri I only had to deal with Protestant, Catholic and “no church.” South of the Mason-Dixon line the hot topic seemed to be “Baptist, Pentecostal or Church of Christ?” This latter impression may not be fair or accurate, just what I thought I observed during two short years in the South.
As for the bit about diving into the New Testament, I recently decided to focus on the life and vocation of Christ for a intensive Bible course I’ve been invited to teach in Brazil come summer. Fortunately I already have books by NT Wright and Luke Timothy Johnson, so there’s a head start on my preparation.
Aaron, thank you for your solid, biblical and loving reply in the midst of the venom.
And Mike, in the interview with Hume I saw, the very next thing he said was, “and that’s to be expected, I’m not surprised.” I wish you would have quoted him thoroughly.
But in regards to your emotional parenthetical phrase about the under-30 crowd leaving churches (well, maybe yours). You’re right, what they really want to see is a professed Christian saying a few words on TV to another human being about Jesus; then hop on this blog to see you bash him and proceed to link to a bunch of unbelievers making fun of him.
Glad you’ve got this all figured out for that under-30 crowd, Cope. Way to be relevant.
I’m shocked to hear Christians not stand up for what is right. The subject of Christ being the.reason for the day of sharing. The point is we share with oneanother as we would if Christ were here to celebrate the day the Lord was born to bring us salvation. It has been commercialized and diluted to the point of a secular selfish and greedy event where the person of honor is ignored. This country was founded on these morals and beliefs and we have allowed those who have come to this country to change that very intention that the fore fathers sacrificed so much for. Do you not know that 24 out of the people that signed the.declaration of independence were ministers. John Adams still has a Christian group that has out lived his life times three and it is the the organization that gives away the most Bibles in the world. Sorry for babbling but this is not merely a subject to be taken lightly. This is a day of joy, relief, and inspires confidence that we no longer have to be victims of our own sin. The birth of Christ is the hope of salvation. The highly awaited single event in the history of man. Now we say happy holidays to sell more items for profit, this is a disgrace…
Sorry for any typos composed from my mobile device…
Do you really think that this is what Jesus wants to hear? Jesus, a prist of the hebrew community, he lived before christianity even existed. Jesus a Jew would not want to hear anything related to “Merry Christmas”. It makes no sense.
If anything he would want to hear “I miss people saying Happy Chanuka” , ya’ know.. because he was Jewish.
Here are some facts that may interest you:
Jesus was a Galilean Jewish Rabbi. That means he was jewish.
Christmas did not exist while Jesus was living, so why in the world would he want to hear “Merry Chrismas” that would be babble talk to him or touge talk (same thing) -” hobidy doobity blahdity dah”. That’s what he would think of hearing Merry Christmas.
No one knows when Jesus’s was born. But it most likely not December 25th. The celebration of his birth was to coincide with the pegan harvest festival and winter solstice to convert the masses. Thus this whole holiday is a scam
oh, and Jesus is not G-d and he’s by no means a Messiah of any kind. Peace on Earth.. um look around, open your eye’s.
All of this is nonsense anyway. To truely know g-d you must know Physics. Science will answer all questions. Amen to that.