An anonymous sponsor has been putting up signs in a Seattle suburb reminding residents that there is more to Christmas than sales, time off and parties.
It’s a simple message, saying, “It’s OK to say, Merry Christmas,” and it’s appearing on green signs with white lettering around Redmond, Washington.
The local Redmond Reporter reported it’s the third year the signs have appeared, and there’s still no hint of who is doing it.
The newspaper reported the signs were found in several locations around the city, which is home to high-tech giant Microsoft.
“Underneath the main message, in smaller letters, there’s a quotation from Romans 1:16 of the Bible: ‘For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes; first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
CBN reported the signs generally are on city rights-of-way, near places like the city hall, schools and churches.
Janice Malone told CBN: “Everyone else is free to express their opinion. Why can’t Christians?”
Father James Johnson, pastor at St. Jude Church, told the Reporter the signs “express a fine sentiment and the joy of the season that is being celebrated.”
“I certainly support any efforts to respect the role religion has in our society. At the same time, we should also remember and wish members of other religions well on their significant holy days, which most often do not coincide with Christmas,” he said.
Two other area residents commented on the signs to the Reporter. Ann Creighton told the newspaper the signs don’t bother her, and Jan Edmunds said,”Christ in Christmas – that’s the reason we have it.”
“As a Christian, I’m glad to see all this – and people will see it,” Edmunds told the newspaper.
Mayor John Marchione said the city considers the signs “a form of free speech, much like political signs.”
He told the Reporter the people who place the signs have removed them by New Year’s.
But the newspaper said there are concerns.
“Each year, this is getting bigger and seems to be spreading. This year, they added cards that they want people to take and spread around and these cards are very evangelical. Is this as far as they are going, or are they planning to go bigger next year?”
“Merry Christmas” greetings have become an issue with the growing secularization of the Christmas holiday. Many commercial enterprises insist on a “Happy Holidays” greeting, with no mention of Christmas.
There’s even a website called ItsOKtosayMerryChristmas, where the authors explain: “For the past two millennia, Christmas has been observed either as religious or secular in nature. This festive season of reunion with friends and family is often marked with the popular customs of decorating the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts and hosting dinners. Regardless of culture, religion, age, education or social status, people have been swept away in the Christmas festivities, forgetting the real reason behind this special commemoration. Few people pause long enough to remember that the true meaning of Christmas lies in the wondrous birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.”
There also are available online a multitude of consumer products carrying the message.
And there’s even a Facebook page for the “It’s OK to say Merry Christmas to me” community.
There, Cinda Bryer wrote: “Not only OK, but relished by me. Merry Christmas everyone.”
