So last year Wal-Mart avoided the term “Merry Christmas” out of a fear that this term with a somewhat Christian meaning (even though this term has been highly commercialized) would offend certain customers and ultimately cost the gigantic superstore chain a few dollars in retail sales. But that apparently backfired as opting to be politically correct by only using the generic holiday greeting “Happy Holiday’s” offended the majority base of Wal-Mart shoppers. So, Wal-Mart has opted to revive the term “Merry Christmas” this year.
I for one am so glad that Wal-Mart is willing to use a term that references Jesus Christ because it is good for business. If Jesus is bad for business then this retail giant can opt out of making any possible references to Jesus Christ, but because Jesus appears to be good for business then it is ok to use terminology that refers to Jesus.
Thanks Wal-Mart! I am sure that Jesus is just rejoicing knowing that references to his name is good for business and I am sure that he equally glad to know that your only concern in reviving his name at your business is your concern for your own interest.
“Happy Holidays / Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays / Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays / Merry Christmas,” etc… I am more appalled and offended that you are willing to reference to Jesus Christ because it is better for your business. But what does it matter? I do not need your store approval, any cultural permission, or any governmental freedom to grant me the freedom to speak the name of Jesus Christ.
I proclaim the name of Jesus Christ because he is the One who has come, was crucified unto death, buried, raised as the first born from the dead, and is coming again. Thus I have all the approval, permission, and freedom I need to proclaim the One who came and lived among us as the truth, showing us the way to live, and revealing to us the source of life.
And this is why Christmas is merry.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
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7 comments:
Maybe they're trying to win some favor back with the conservative base after having given money to those gay groups and making everyone mad. Hmm....
well said.
How do you think Christmas became so comercialized in the first place? Businessmen were merely taking advantage of the Lord's name to bring them more sales. (Think pre-1930's) Jesus' name has always meant good business.
Within 30 minutes of where I live there are 4 Super Wal-Marts, 3 of which are fairly new. I shop at Wal-Mart and so does most of Wal-Mart's critics.
It is so fashionable recently to criticize Wal-Mart. They make lots of money, the buy goods as cheaply as possible, they hire help as cheaply as possible. And, theyu sell goods at a good price. Tens of millions of customers just like me must agree. They are a for profit business. It isn't evil to earn money in my view.
Wal-Mart or any other store is not a church. Does anyone think Wal-Mart is the only business doing what is necessary to get more business?
If I am buying a shovel, I will buy the shovel in the most convenient place, for the cheapest price possible. I don't care if the store owner is Methodist, Morman, or atheist. I just want to buy a shovel. How he advertises his shovels is his business. Buying a shovel is not a theological issue to me.
I love Jesus but recognize that many people don't. I would prefer that everyone did. However, I am not upset if a store owner decides that it is in his best interests to say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.
I promise some of the loudest critics of those who do not say Merry Christmas will go home, put up the Christmas tree, and teach their children and grand children about Santa.
I would say to anyone who doesn't like a store or its policies, vote with your pocket book. Shop someplace else.
Royce,
Thanks for stopping by. I currently do most of my shopping at target because it is only 2 miles from my home where as the nearest Wal-Mart is about 6 miles away.
It does not bother me one way whether any organization want to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." My intention was simply to point out what I believe to be the motive behind Wal-Mart's decision to bring back the phrase "Merry Christmas." If I am correct, then I do not understand why some Christians are any more thrilled about this decision than when Wal-Mart chose to redact "Merry Christmas" from their holiday greetings.
Here in Australia, we avoid this problem by greeting people with "merry pissmas".
Most birthdays, you give a gift to the birthday boy/girl. What's the deal with XMAS where you give everyone else a gift?
Merry pissmass to all.
Joyce,
Ive tried unsuccessfully to email you. Can't seem to get an okay for access to your email addy. Would you mind emailing me at one of my addies:
angelcat_92116@yahoo.com with your addie? I've some information on an article I just read at Wineskins thought you might really like to read, as well as a fascinating book recommendation.
Talk w/u later.
In His love, grace and mercy
Kathy
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