To use one of my favorite movie quotes (paraphrased version), “The greatest trick the Devil ever played, was convincing the world that he doesn’t exist” (Usual Suspects). Well, if that was the greatest, somewhere near the top would be the redefining of the word "love." In our culture, "love" is often associated with "tolerance" (another term that is frequently misused). In other words, in order to express love we should accept others for who they are, and not try to change them. We should let people be who they will be with a disregard for right and wrong; after all "right and wrong" are relative to different people and situations. This definition may produce a great "curb appeal" and contain enough truth for many people to subscribe to it, however, if we were to investigate a little we would notice that not only is the foundation weak and rotten, but it's downright destructive. In reality, this definition promotes selfishness more than it does love. It allows us to proclaim peace and love as our excuse not to get involved, and as a result we exchange love for personal comfort. In fear of rejection and persecution of our beliefs we would rather let someone suffer, and we have the audacity to call that love!
What's really sad is it's not just the world who's subscribing to this heresy, but professing Christians as well. We have allowed the culture to define how we should live and let live, instead of the Holy Scriptures. Even worse, we've allowed the world's view of "love" to effect how we celebrate the love of God. So many people are quick to recognize the joy that this season brings, but refuse to recognize it's source, and to such a degree that even wishing someone a Merry Christmas is offensive. Instead we're suppose to say something generic like Happy Holidays lest anyone become upset. Isn't it amazing how powerful the name of Christ truly is? So powerful that it jars the nonbeliever's soul even when mentioned in a casual greeting.
After all that rambling, I get to my point. I would like take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Whether you're Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or whatever else, I wish you a Merry Christmas. Whether the name of Christ comforts your soul or stirs up resentment, I wish you a merry Christmas. This is not in an attempt to be insensitive or intolerant, but sensitive to the truth that the only true joy that this season can bring is knowing the true love that was exhibited in a Father who was willing to send His only Son through Hell that sinners may be redeemed. May this Christmas be more that an opportunity to rest and be merry, but also to remember and be grateful. Grateful that the true God has and will fulfill all His promises.
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