Merry, Merry Christmas

We need to put the “Merry” back into “Merry Christmas.”

Are you ready for some good news?

You’re blessing people more than you know!

Bemoaning the encroachment of secularism, we often say, “We need to put Christ back into Christmas.” True indeed. But, after a year of pandemic and political unrest, I think we have another great need—put the “Merry” back into “Merry Christmas.”

Every time you tell someone “Merry Christmas,” you speak blessing. To say, “Merry Christmas” is to say, “I envision a joyful, fulfilling, healthy celebration of Christ’s birth for you and your loved-ones.” Though the secularists have tried to sneak in a seemingly innocuous replacement, “Happy Holidays,” it is still a blessing. To say, “Happy Holidays” is to say, “May you have joy-filled, holy days.”

As we’ve been learning, the old carol, “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen,” meant “God keep you full of joy!” That’s what the angel wanted for the frightened shepherd boys. Receive today’s blessing from Luke 2:10-11:

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God Rest You Merry!

May God give you

A Merry Christmas—

A joy-filled celebration of Christ’s birth,

Happy, holy days.

As His glory shines upon you

May your heart know no fear.

Only gladness.

Only expectancy.

I bless you to hear the angel’s words

Personally,

Definitively.

“I bring you Good News of Great Joy.”

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And that’s the Gospel!