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Every year, more people take Christ out of Christmas.
Schools call Christmas “Winter Holidays,” and most business people say “Happy Holidays” as they ring the cash register.
But for those who profess Christ as Lord, we celebrate His birthday, not an ordinary holiday. Christians have the opportunity in the marketplace to make a positive statement for Him. We can elect to say “Merry Christmas,” or “May the Good Lord bless your Christmas,” rather then joining the throng in saying, “Have a happy holiday.”
Some may fear an angry customer, or worry about causing an offense, but the Apostle Peter wrote, “Always be prepared to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV). Christians should be filled with hope and joy at Christmas, because they know what Christ means to us, and let that joy overflow.
Also, Christians should want to send Christmas cards, rather then “Seasons Greetings,” designed to say as little as possible, except thank you for your business.
When a Jew complained about a Christmas card I sent, I explained celebrating the birth of Christ is my way of celebrating the season. I would respect a Hanukkah card, if he chose to mail one, and would appreciate him respecting mine.
Once, a person responded to my “Merry Christmas” with a fuming?”I’m Jewish, and don’t recognize Christmas.” I responded, “Then may the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you.” He softened and smiled, as he departed.
Christian business owners can make a difference with Merry Christmas. We don’t need to be obnoxious, just make a positive statement. If we celebrate Christmas at home, shouldn’t we also celebrate it in the workplace?
A word of caution, if your boss mandates that you say “Happy Holidays” to customers, I believe we need to honor those instructions.
This year, some will celebrate Kwanzaa, others Hanukkah, but to those of us who profess Christ as Lord, lets give everyone a resounding “Merry Christmas,” and add a reverberating, “May the Good Lord bless your new year.”
Steve Marr is the former CEO of the fourth largest import-export firm in the U.S., a company which facilitated international trade for many of the largest companies in America. Currently, Steve consults with with businesses and ministries utilizing ancient Biblical principles for success in today’s marketplace. Click here to contact Steve, or visit his website at www.businessproverbs.com.
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