Soooo, I see it has started.

The "I won't accept Happy Holidays, only Merry Christmas," movement.

And I get it. Really. For a lot of people, myself included, this is a deeply meaningful season of the year in which to honor the Nativity of the Lord who loves us enough to have come down to be born amongst us.

But do you think Jesus wants you to pick fights with people over "Happy Holidays?" Really?

If someone, at any other time of the year, wishes you well by saying, "Have a good day!"...do you quarrel with them? Hopefully not.

So why pick a fight now?

You see, you don't know the faiths of everyone around you...some are Christian, but some might be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Wiccan or gasp, agnostic or atheist. And it is the time of year people want to be extra friendly, we're generally in a good mood, we're laughing, buying gifts for people we love, getting into the spirit of the season as it is, so we want to exchange cheery greetings with each other.

And maybe someone who isn't of our faith wants to exchange such a happy sentiment with you, so they call out, "Happy Holidays!" Full of goodwill and merriment. That is not the time for ANY disciple of Christ to snap back, in bad humor and with bad manners, "It's Christmas, you idiot. We say Merry Christmas in this country."

Because if you were to do that, even in a less obnoxious manner, you've a) just ruined the moment of goodwill and fellowship, and b) done nothing at all to show people the love of Christ. In fact, you just pushed them further away.

So...if someone wishes you Happy Holidays (which only means Happy Holy Days, after all) be gracious and say it back, with warmth and love. If you know someone who is Jewish, feel free to wish them a Joyous Hanukkah when the time is right. I have friends who celebrate Yule, and I wish them a Happy Yule. That doesn't diminish my faith in Christ, or take away from my enjoyment of Advent and Christmastide....it just means I can be friendly and loving to the people around me.

This Christmas, let's try and be a little more generous with those around us...and if they wish us Happy Holidays, smile and accept it for what it is...someone wanting to wish you joy and happiness during this season of celebration.

Whatever you may celebrate this time of year (and I have friends of multiple faiths) I wish you well. I wish you joy, happiness, love and fellowship. Because you are all dear to me.

-Beth Haynes Butler