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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Christmas with a Capital "C"

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." ~ Luke 2:8-11 (ESV)

My car stereo is tuned into KFLR - a Christian Family Radio station. I need that on my way to work. First -- I hear Scripture passages that will be my strength and meditation throughout the day. Second -- they play great Christian music. Since it it Christmas time, you will hear 24 hours Christmas music. On Thursday mornings, Chris and Emilee accept requests from listeners what they want to hear. A couple of weeks ago, a little girl called in to hear "Christmas with a Capital "C"". I have never hear the title or the song before. But it instantly became my favorite song for this year...

First of all - it rocks (the tune) and second, the words are just wonderful. Go Fish teamed up with Christian comedian Brad Stine (yeah - a comedian that actually uses NO curse words - how refreshing is that???) to record this piece. Brad Stine is talking about how we have moved away from wishing everyone a "Merry Christmas", because we don't want to offend or exclude anyone. He further says: "Even after 2,000, Christ still is intimidating people"...I wonder why?

If the statics are correct and only 30% of the American population is not Christian, how can we offend so many people by saying "Merry Christmas"? Is it because most Americans have moved away from the true meaning of the holiday? Is it really all about giving and receiving gifts? Have we, as Christians, falling into the same trap of commercial Christmas? Giving and receiving expensive gifts? Have we not received the ultimate Gift from God?

I challenge you, my beloved, this Christmas season to freely share "Merry Christmas" with all the people you come in contact with. If His spirit moves you, witness to your Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, or Atheist neighbors. Give the Gift that keeps on giving...Share the true meaning of the season...

Lord of Heaven and Earth. You have humbled Yourself to become human for us. Help us to honor You this Christmas. Help us to share that You came down from heaven to save us all. We are trusting in Your mercy. We pray in the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.



This devotion was first published in December of 2006 on Laced with Grace. If you time stop by Sting my Heart for a 'unique cup' giveaway - you still have time until Wednesday, December 5th.

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15 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

I completely agree! I mean, I've never been offended if someone says Happy Hanukkah to me, why should Merry Christmas be so offensive? It's supposed to be a happy and joyful time of year. It's not like we're cursing at people randomly on the street. We're wishing tidings of joy and happiness.

December 4, 2007 at 12:56 AM  
Blogger NanAZ said...

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December 4, 2007 at 7:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

When I first read the title .. I thought C is for christ ... here in montana where tonite we're lighting the first candle on the Menorah

It's all different roads to the one true G-d..
gp in montana
http://etchedbystone.wordpress.com

December 4, 2007 at 11:27 AM  
Blogger Tina Ann Forkner said...

I sometimes think that most people in fact are not intimidated by Merry Christmas at all, but it's a vocal miniority of naysayers who are pretty loud. Maybe we just need to say Merry Christmas a little louder! :)

December 4, 2007 at 12:07 PM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

I got a great utube (or maybe godtube) video called Merry Tossmas. You should look it up, it's about this very thing. Great post.

December 4, 2007 at 12:12 PM  
Blogger Lori said...

Amen!!

December 4, 2007 at 2:04 PM  
Blogger Denise said...

Bless you dear Iris.,

December 4, 2007 at 2:07 PM  
Blogger Tammy said...

I'm with you. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

December 4, 2007 at 3:54 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Iris,

I said "Merry Christmas" today to a clerk in a book store. Her response was hilarious. I think I am going to write about it at Laced With Grace on Thursday.

December 4, 2007 at 5:52 PM  
Blogger lori said...

Iris,
worth the replay!!
amen, amen, amen.....
Merry Christmas, I mean MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
well said!!
peace,
and
Merry Christmas!
lori

December 4, 2007 at 8:11 PM  
Blogger Sharon Brumfield said...

Hey girl,
I recently posted on how the songs sung at Christmas at my daughters school had to be changed because a few complained.
If "the few" have so much power what would happen if "the few" of us stood up?
The need to know THE truth of the season.
Thank you

December 5, 2007 at 7:51 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

would love to listen to that "Christmas with a Capital "C"" song! :)
Snippets

December 5, 2007 at 10:28 PM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Oh I totally make a point to say Merry Christmas...and to thank store clerks who say the same to me.

Great post, Iris! :)

Lisa

December 5, 2007 at 10:29 PM  
Blogger -tnchick- said...

I have heard that song, my children and I love it =)

I agree - I always say Merry Christmas. We were at the store (umm, Wal-Mart) the other day and the cashier said "Happy Holidays" as we were leaving - I turned back and said "Merry Christmas, to you"... I know many would fall into the "political trap" and followed up with a "you too" or a happy holidays back to her... but not this chic! =)

I was reading the other day about the whole "Merry Christmas" vs. Happy Holiday thing... and this lady - who voiced she was Christian - said she didn't even celebrate Christmas because Jesus was not born in December...

I just wish I had the wisdom to tell every one all the right answers. But, I don't. Thankfully, we have prayer.

December 6, 2007 at 12:48 AM  
Blogger Tracy Berta-daughter to the King, wife, mother, speaker, writer said...

I love this song! Saw the video on the internet a couple of weeks ago. My 11 year old son loves it!

Merry Christmas!
Thirsty for Him,
Tracy

December 16, 2007 at 11:16 PM  

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