Greetings!

Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (AMP)

Have you noticed that during the holidays we are more cordial to one another?  A teenager, trick or treating, thought he would be smart. Instead of the usual greeting from children of “Happy Halloween,” he said, “Merry Christmas.” There was my chance. I said, “Do you know why we say, ‘Merry Christmas?’”

“No!” he said.

“That is when we celebrate the birth of Christ,” I replied.

He quickly left my porch. By his response, I could tell he did not know what I was talking about.

While shopping during the Christmas season, we hear sales people say, “Happy Holidays.” They may be saying it to be pleasant, or to be “politically correct,” or they do not know the reason for our celebration. Accepting the greeting with love in our hearts, no matter the reason, is what counts for the glory of God.

One of my favorite greetings was passed on to my husband and me one Christmas evening. All eleven of our guests were arriving the day after Christmas. What would we do on this wonderful day of the year? We decided to have dinner at a Chinese restaurant and go to a movie. The restaurant was filled. People were enjoying one another and conversation was flowing. After a fine meal, the Chinese waiter returned with our credit slip to sign and exclaimed boldly, “Merry Christmas!”

Dear Lord, Help us receive others as you receive them with your love. Amen

© 2011 Mary Burkey