Happy Holidays! Now sleep...

Happy Holidays!

There. I said it. It doesn't mean that I hate Christmas, although I do quickly tire of the hype and expectations. Neither does it mean that I in any way want to negate the fact that God came in the flesh, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died to take the punishment for our rebellion against Him, came alive again and is now preparing a home for His followers, of which I am one. The phrase, "Happy Holidays" doesn't mean that I'm denying Christ. It means that I sincerely hope you have an enjoyable break during the latter part of December.
Last year, I posted a notice to the few angry atheists that are losing sleep over the words, "Merry Christmas." Did I mention that an atheist I know is one of the nicest persons you'll ever hope to meet? Anyway, this year, I'm back to browsing Facebook with a confused face. Seriously? You're angry about words? Can we take a minute to reconsider?

• Anger accomplishes nothing.
  Take a look at any riot. No, we're not burning down buildings and smashing windows. We're far too dignified for that. Instead, we scowl at the world as though the depth of our brows reflects the intensity of our passion for Christ. Our "righteous indignation" crushes spirits. Brothers and sisters in Christ, I'm asking that we please step back and take another look at our own behaviour.
• The person greeting you doesn't know you're a Christian.
  Well, if you becomes offended they might figure it out. The person smiling at you might even be a Christian.
• This isn't persecution or even a small hardship.
  Children throughout Israel and Palestine are caught in the crossfire, an Iraqi mother has empty arms because ISIS fighters ripped her baby girl from her arms, Chinese pastors are imprisoned, beaten and killed, Nigerian girls are kidnapped and forced into marriages as yet another wife of a man who is likely abusive, little boys are carted off to be trained as soldiers and the homeless freeze to death in the dead of winter. How is "Happy Holidays" a hardship? Smile. It'll be OK.
• What was Jesus' approach?
  How did He speak to the sinner at the well? How did He respond to arrogance in religion? I won't elaborate. I think we all know the answers.

I'm not losing any sleep over which cheerful greeting I receive. I invite you to do the same. Now sleep...