Around this time of year there's always much talk about the use of 'Happy Holidays' (we're told it's the more politically correct term) as opposed to the more traditional 'Merry Christmas.'
For the sake of space I want to draw a comparison using only one other holiday.
There is a day (actually 8 days) celebrated by the Jews known asHanukkah. This Jewish festival commemorates the rededication of the Temple following their victory over the Syrians. Since the word 'Hanukkah' means 'a dedicating,' the name itself is indicative of the celebration. Why would anyone get upset at those expressing the day's rightful and true meaning?!
So it is with Christmas, or the Christ-Mass. This is none other than the Mass (the celebration, or religious ceremony) of those who believe in the Incarnation of the Christ - the act whereby God took on human flesh and was born in a feed trough in Bethlehem. This is a most essential day for the Christian, as are all other holy days, such as the crucifixion, resurrection, Pentecost, etc. It's not just a holiday like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or President's Day. It forever changed the course of the human race. In an unremarkable stable in Bethlehem, history turned a corner.
If you're a believer, it's probably OK to wish someone a 'Happy Holiday, for it is that. But we err when we choose that greeting in lieu of Merry Christmas, for in doing so we have bastardized the whole meaning of the celebration. It is in its very essence 'Christmas' because it celebrates Christ!
Merry Christmas my friends!