Christmas is once again upon us. The stores are filled with beautiful red and green decorations, music and crowds of people looking for just the right gift for their loved ones. The clerks are smiling and sharing “Happy Holidays”. Wait, we say – why not Merry Christmas? Some churches and Christian groups are beginning to boycott these stores who do not share a Christmas greeting.

After all, it is Christmas time and other faiths are not interested in red and green decorations and Santa presents. So why is it so bad to share Merry Christmas when the customs reflect our particular holiday? And after all, Christmas music abounds in these same stores.

Yes, I agree it is sad that store clerks cannot share the very words of this season. But let me ask you one question. Is it their job to bring us Jesus and the Christmas spirit or is it ours? You see, every time we walk into a store and hear “Happy Holidays”, is an opportunity to share the Savior. When we declare back a “very Merry Christmas to you”, then we are declaring, in some small way, our faith in Christ. To me, this is just a small way of sharing the gospel message.

Yes, Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:19 to go and make disciples of all nations. This might not sound like the making, but it’s a start! So this Christmas season, whenever you hear, “Happy Holidays”, just smile and shout “Merry Christmas”! What an opportunity to bring Jesus back into their day!