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From Rev. Brock Patterson
"Merry Christmas?"
Merry Christmas Chapel family! I know, it’s a little early to be wishing each other a Merry Christmas, but I suppose that it’s okay since I’ll only have this opportunity a couple of times a year in the Chapeline.
What does it mean to you when someone wishes you, “Merry Christmas”? Does it make you happy and joyful? Does it make you feel welcome? Or, does it make you feel just the opposite because you might not feel so merry and cheerful?
Of course, lots of people don’t celebrate Christmas. Our Jewish friends might prefer, “Happy Hannukah”, beginning this year on December 18, 2022. “Happy New Year” is another greeting that includes nearly everyone, like “Happy Holidays”. Personally, I don’t get hung up on the semantics of the “Proper Greeting” this time of year. Instead, I just try to remember that no matter the situation, everyone likes to be noticed and appreciated.
Because I’m around people all the time, sometimes I forget to greet them appropriately. This time of year, however, is the perfect time to be intentional about greeting friends and strangers alike. I don’t need to be aware of someone’s religious preference in order to greet them. Nor do I need to know about their personal struggles before I address them. Oftentimes, folks just need to know that they are valued as human beings. A simple “Howdy” helps, but I think a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays” goes a long way towards helping lots of people who need it.
What will it be? Will you wish someone a “Happy Hannukah” or something else? We can make a difference this Holiday Season for everyone we encounter by just paying attention and giving them a few words of hope, peace, joy, and love!
See you this Sunday in Worship!
God Bless, Brock.
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