Every year, it seems more and more people try to 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 just an ordinary holiday.
Every year, it seems more and more people try to 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 just 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; that’s why they should let that joy overflow.
Also, Christians should want to send Christmas cards, rather than “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.”
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Steve Marr has learned from 40 years of business experience that God's way works.
As an author, speaker and business consultant, Marr helps companies and organizations apply the ancient wisdom of the Bible to avoid the common mistakes and headaches of growing a business.
Marr offers spiritual and practical insights through one-on-one consulting, a monthly syndicated business column, his best-seller books Business Proverbs, Roadmap to Success, and the 2007 release of Integrity in the Workplace, and the one-minute radio feature "Business Proverbs," which can be heard on over 1,200 radio stations internationally. He also provides radio interviews on time sensitive business topics and how being a godly business person brings glory to the Lord.
Marr uses compelling case studies to generate discussion on the business and Biblical principles he offers. Steve involves the audience to make each event practical in application. Seminar notes are available to allow particpants to act upon the "take aways."
He can help you, your business or group find peace of mind, hope and satisfaction in doing business God's way.