“To Walmart”
If “Happy Holidays” seems right and makes some shoppers smile,
It’s not my place to criticize, as I walk down your aisle.
Yet, as I give my credit card and start to walk away
Accept my “Merry Christmas – and have a Christ-filled Day.”
It used to bother us when a salesclerk, instead of saying “Merry Christmas,” would say, “Happy Holidays.” Now, rather than vent, Bonnie and I seek ways to make Advent a time for quiet Adventures that help us prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Adventure #1: Discover quiet time by starting an “electronics fast.” Set a specific period each day when you commit to turning off your computer, your phone, and your television (especially the news). Use that quiet time to read your Bible or an inspirational book, such as The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren or Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado.
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10
Adventure #2: Listen to the words. We all love the melodies of Christmas carols, but they are much more than elevator music. The words tell the story of the birth of our Savior. The poems that lie beneath the melodies of “Oh, Holy Night” or “Mary Did You Know?” remind us what a holy and blessed time this is.
Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. Psalm 47:6
Adventure #3: Give Jesus a gift. The Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse, and Toys for Tots are just a few of the charities serving our communities.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
Adventure #4: Show your love. Yes, there will be crowds. Yes, people will be impatient, and yes, there may be at least one salesclerk who will rub your last raw nerve. We show our love by how we act and by how we react.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul wrote, Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
The pattern of the world is to strip Christ out of Christmas. We can help put Christ back in Christmas by putting more of Him in us.
Blessings,
Don & Bonnie Sennott
Graphic courtesy of Ministry Council of Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Because He Loves Us Press 