These last few weeks have found me sifting through the aftermath of the U.S. election in the hope of finding some salvageable life lessons with which to move forward. One thing I have learned is that I no longer desire to be a brick in any wall that serves to further alienate me from others.
So I was challenged, to say the least, when someone recently asked for my thoughts about the ongoing controversy surrounding Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
As I cautiously waded into the fray, I began to wonder whether saying Merry Christmas (in defence of faith) or Happy Holidays (to be politically correct) somehow both miss the point of what the season is all about.
If I were to stay within the confines of these two choices, I would be forced to choose sides, stooping to the level of right and wrong, good or bad, us versus them. I feel that decisions made in this arena are motivated more by fear and pride than by a genuine desire to say something meaningful to others. What we need is to find the true meaning and essence of a greeting in the hope of gaining a new perspective.
So back to the books I went, in search of some proverbial light!
What I quickly discovered, and had already suspected, is that true meaning and purpose has been lost in this muddle. A greeting is supposed to be a blessing, given from the heart. It’s not an opportunity to make our own beliefs known. So although our words are important, they are merely wrapping paper around the real gift: our sincere intent to acknowledge another.
Desiring that my sentiments be sincere frees me from trying to be right or fearing that I may say the wrong thing. It’s important to remember that greetings are more easily received when they are felt and not just heard. Only when my intentions become more about blessing than professing am I able to make a meaningful connection.
It is with this newfound wisdom that I sincerely wish you and yours love and peace throughout this joyous season!
