I have to admit: I've jumped on the bandwagon. I know it's not probable, being that we're homeschoolers, and homeschoolers are famous (notorious?) for marching to the beat of their own drums, right? We don't exactly let society dictate terms to us.
Well, in Christian circles all over the country, there are countless calls and letters sent to merchants to include "Merry Christmas" in their advertising instead of the cover-all-our-bases mantra of "Happy Holidays." And we Christians are pressured not to shop at places that refuse to include "Merry Christmas" in their ads. I was all along for that ride. I even promised to make my kids learn the lyrics of the chorus to this video/song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ
And then, one of my dearest friends sent me the following letter. It's a copy of one she sent some time ago to another friend of hers. My friend is a born-again, Bible-believin', Jesus-lovin' Christian... who also happens to be Jewish. Hence, she celebrates Chanukah (or Chanukkah, or Hanukkah ^_^) AND Christmas. But she doesn't celebrate Christmas like other Christians: with a tree. Read her letter. I think it will bless you and maybe even relieve you the next time you hear someone wish you, "Happy Holidays."
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Dear friend,
I've been amazed at the amount of people and groups that have sent me emails with regards to what a Christmas tree is called or how offensive "Happy Holidays" is to them. There are obviously strong feelings there and I want you to know I am sorry if I ever personally offended you.
I am a BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN. I celebrate Chanukah and I do not have a tree.
First, I want to say that I understand why some Christians do not celebrate Chanukah. They believe the new has come, the old has gone away. Second, I know that for some Christians, a Christmas tree with lights & presents reminds them that Jesus was the light of the world and a gift to His people. No matter what the details are in beliefs, I am for anything that points people to the one and true God.
However, I would sincerely appreciate it if you would wish me a "Happy Chanukah" and not demand I buy a "Christmas Tree."
Why? Because I believe Jesus celebrated Chanukah, the feast of dedication and the festival of lights. Chanukah means "dedication." The apostle John makes a point to mention it in John 10:22-23: “And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.” Here are just some of the ways I benefit from celebrating the feast:
1) It reminds me of how God did miracles to provide for His people, like the virgin birth of a Savior and His atonement and resurrection for our sins that we may have life.
2) It reminds me of how God gave Jesus to be the light of the world and asked us to be the same for Him.
3) All the candles on the menorah are lit by one candle and one candle alone-the shemash, or servant candle. My light comes from my Servant Savior, not from anywhere else.
These things point me toward celebrating Jesus's birth and praising God for His almighty provision.
Why don't I have a Christmas tree? Jeremiah 10:2 warns us "do not learn the ways of the nations." The tree is rooted in European paganism that celebrated the winter solstice. It's use in Christianity was not until the last few hundred years and it isn't a practice that God asked us to do. My days are busy enough with everything God has asked of me without having to chop down a tree and decorate it, then maintain it, then dispose of it when done. When I first read Jeremiah 10:1-11, I felt it was a warning that had multiple applications to this practice. "they can do no good" It warns of cutting a tree out of the forest, adorning it with silver and gold. But Jeremiah 10 aside, it doesn't remind me personally of Jesus. That is not the kind of tree He was hung on, nor is it the kind that would have been used to make a crib/feeding trough for Him as an infant.
My God has called me to "keep my conscience clear before God and man" (Acts 24:16) and I just wanted you to know another Christian side of the story.
In His Love,
(Name withheld)
