For the second year in a row, I've observed a torrent of disapproval pour down on Starbucks for their choice in cup design for the holiday season. I could branch off into how people need something better to do with their lives, but I'll save that thought for another day. This backlash is fueled by disgruntled Christians who believe this time of year should solely focus on Christmas and how it is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. They feel as if any deviation from Christmas is an alternation of it's true meaning. Phrases such as 'Happy Holidays', 'Season's Greetings' or 'Merry Xmas', are unwelcome.
Another trend with Christians' behavior that I've noticed this time of year is a tendency to get angry about non-Christians partaking in Christmas gift-giving, tree-lighting, and other traditions. Although I personally do not agree with Christians who feel this way, it poses a legitimately reasonable question. Why would a non-Christian celebrate a Christian holiday? Do secular folks also celebrate holidays of other religions, such as the Jewish Hanukkah?
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Well, I have decided to clear some things up for everyone. I am a Christian. I know that Christmas is about the birth of Mary's son. I know that the focus on Santa Claus and presents are results of over-the-top, money-making commercialization. The answer to the above questions lies in this statement: Christmas is a man-made holiday! God never instructed His people to celebrate Jesus' birthday. Not only that, but December 25th is just a regular date, and not the actual birthday of Jesus.
Jesus' birthday was designated to be on December 25th out of convenience. That's right- convenience. In early Roman times, two midwinter festivals also took place in December: Saturnalia and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Both of these, interestingly enough, were actually pagan holidays. So out of convenience, amid the winter solstice, December 25th was declared Jesus' birthday since it was during a time of year that people were already in a jolly, festive mood from the other occurring holidays. Why not add Christmas into the mix to get all the celebrating done at once?
This special, magical season, that just so happens to conveniently include Christmas, was literally assigned in history to be a celebratory time of year. So come one, come all, religious and secular folks alike. Go ahead and say 'Happy Holidays', 'Season's Greetings', or 'Happy Hanukah' if you would like. It's okay if Christmas is the main event, but don't get strung up over the presumption that December is all about this Christian holiday. Coming from a Christian, it's a holiday that is manufactured and sold on Earth, not from God in Heaven. It's everyone candidly coming together to spread love and jubilance and to speculate about peace on Earth.
Happy Holidays!
