A Very Merry Christmas?

I'm not going to say "Merry Christmas" quite as often this year, and it's not because I'm a Grinch or a Scrooge. Nor am I on a campaign to change holiday customs across America. I smile gratefully when friends send me cards that say "Merry Christmas." I enjoy holiday music and food. I'm grateful that this season offers a unique chance to tell lost people about Christ.

But trite, shallow phrases like "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" don't exactly stir my soul. And what does it really mean to "have ourselves a merry little Christmas," anyway?

According to my dictionary, merry means something that gives pleasure or delight. It's from a root word that means "short" or "brief," which is significant because worldly merriment doesn't last very long. For some, the holiday is little more than an excuse for a party; but once the fun is over, it's back to a lifestyle that's dull and lacking purpose. For others, Christmas stirs a lot of negative feelings. For them, December means discouragement more than merriment.

"Happy Holidays"? Ask a random sampling of friends if they're really happy, and you'll hear answers like these: "No, not really." (A troubling but honest response.) "Yes, and things have never been better." (Is this person for real?) "Yes, but . . ." ("I'd be a lot happier if things were better in my marriage, job, health, or checking account.")

The Declaration of Independence says "the pursuit of happiness" is an unalienable right bestowed on us by our Creator. The desire for happiness can be a noble impulse, motivating us to earn, learn, achieve, and advance.

But let's face it. If you're happy and you know it . . . you're unusual! At its root, happy describes a person who "happens" (by chance and good fortune) to enjoy good luck or favorable circumstances. This fickle approach defines happiness according to what happens to you, while the Bible emphasizes what (and who) is inside of you. From a worldly point of view, there's always another tempting carrot on the stick, luring us to find happiness in yet another party, a different spouse, a better job, a nicer car, a bigger house, a higher salary, a finer wardrobe, a more exotic vacation. Eventually the party's over and we relearn old truths: different isn't always better, money really can't buy happiness, and the best things in life aren't things.

Jesus turned conventional wisdom upside down. He said we win by losing, live by dying, receive by giving, find greatness by serving. "Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness," he said, "and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). We won't find happiness when we make it our goal. It comes as a by-product when we put God and his priorities first.

Evidently the apostle Paul had this in mind when he wrote a magnificent "greeting card" to some of his friends in Greece. He reminded them about the humble, obedient attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11). Then in chapter 4 he went on to tell about the Christian's joy ("rejoice in the Lord always"), peace ("the peace of God, which transcends all understanding"), contentment ("I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances"), and faith ("I can do everything through him who gives me strength").

So today let me offer you a different kind of greeting. Have yourself a joyful little Christmas . . . and a peaceful, contented, faithful New Year.

It'll even be fine with me if you feel downright merry about it!