Blue Elevator Blog

Merry Christmas

I’m not sure when the phrase took root, but Merry Christmas is the phrase we use.  At face value, its supposed intent would be to wish someone well.

Over the years, the hustle and bustle of the season has perhaps added a different flair.

• Merry Christmas has become somewhat controversial.  For political correctness purposes … the phrase Happy Holidays has been warring with its kissing cousin, Merry Christmas.
• Then there’s the pressure the media puts on us to to engage in the gift-giving extravaganza.
• And don’t forget the pressure of expectation – What a Merry Christmas is supposed to look like.

Near as I can tell, from my unofficial Google search, the phrase Merry Christmas has been around for awhile.  Various sources have credited it to bishop John Fisher.  OxfordDictionaries.com and other sources suggest the phrase originated in 1534.  It was used in a letter written from the confines of the Tower of London.  A letter written by a condemned bishop named John Fisher.  The bishop was imprisoned for refusing an oath to accept that the King of England was the head of the Church.

Bishop Fisher wrote a letter to Henry VIII’s trusted minister Thomas Cromwell describing, among other things, the severity of his imprisoned conditions (Wikipedia).  His salutation was as such:  “And thus our Lord send yow a mery Christenmas, and a comfortable to yowr hearts desyer.”

If we look past the olde English, as it were, here is a condemned man wishing the King’s lawyer a Merry Christmas.  So, that’s the origin of the story behind Merry Christmas.

Fast forward to today.

What Christmas “Should Be”

Here’s what Christmas is supposed to entail.

All is calm and all is bright.  Everyone is healthy.  You are surrounded by all of your loved ones.  All the bills are paid.  The cars are running fine.  The house looks great and all is in great repair.  There is food in the fridge.  The Christmas lights decorate your home’s exterior.  The tree is trimmed.  Everyone gets along.  The prospects for next year look outstanding.  The government is doing everything you want them to do.  Your Church is perfect and everyone loves you.  And you love everyone back.

Christmas.  It’s supposed to be perfect.  Merry.

What Christmas is “Actually”

Here’s the reality of Christmas.

Depending on your environs, the weather might be balmy or blustery.  Someone is sick.  This Christmas, you might be missing a loved one or two.  You have more bills than you have money to pay them.  Your transportation may have some issues (or you don’t have transportation).  There is plenty of stuff that needs fixing around the house.  You might be hungry.  Due to the season, you may have not had time or the energy to light up the house like Chevy Chase.  Maybe your tree is like the one Charlie Brown brought home.  Someone in your family might be the Grinch (or maybe it’s you).  Maybe you are in a job where you are sure your boss is Ebenezer Scrooge.  Your company is struggling and layoffs seem eminent.  You don’t like the politics of the day.  Someone at your Church hurt your feelings and you are quite sure some people don’t like you.  And, truth is, you might not like some of them.

And, so it is with Christmas

The First Christmas

Consider Joseph and Mary’s “first” Christmas.  Here is how Joseph might have explained his Christmas to his friends.

“Our Christmas was kind of tough.   Our government made everyone pack up to go register for a census.  They are doing this so they can tax us.  My wife was really pregnant so that was a challenge.  We had to travel about 65 miles on foot from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  We made good time as we got to Bethlehem in about 5 days.  But when we got to Bethlehem, we couldn’t find a place to stay.  So, we had to stay in a stable with a bunch of animals.  And, then Mary gave birth to our son.  Our son, Jesus.”

There you have it.  That was the first Christmas.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Despite whatever Christmas is supposed to be – or what it will be like for you – there is a truth behind Christmas.  And it is the same as it was 2,000-or-so years ago.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’ ” – Luke 2:10-11

Do not be afraid.  Good news.  Great joy.  A Savior.

Now, that sounds pretty good to me.  You see, this life isn’t it.  I do wish you a Merry Christmas.  But since I can’t change or alter your circumstances, you’ll have to take God at His Word.

Good news.  Great joy.  A Savior.  That’s the meaning of Christmas.  I pray you have placed your faith in Christ,  the baby Jesus.  If you haven’t – yet – this would be the perfect time to do it.

Merry Christmas – despite your circumstances!