Pastor's Note

MERRY AND THEN SOME!
December 24th, 2006

We use the word “Merry” only for Christmas. We don’t say, “Merry Birthday!” or “Merry Easter!” It is a phrase and a tradition that led me to the dictionary.
Merry means “full of fun and laughter, lively and cheerful.” Its root word comes from a word meaning ‘pleasing and agreeable,’ stemming from a term that means short, as in lasting a short time.
Is that all we want to wish people during this special time of year? I’m not opposing saying, “Merry Christmas.” I am simply looking for something more.
The Christmas event, namely, the celebration of God’s own Son taking flesh and living among us, is a turning point in human history. Because of Jesus’ birth, all humanity can rejoice with new possibilities. We can reach heights not previously available to us. Salvation is being given to us.
That calls for more than merely a greeting that conveys short-term laughter and cheer. Here are some other terms to try:
Have a blessed Christmas!
Have a joyous Christmas!
Have a peaceful Christmas!
Have a Christmas full of hope and possibility!
Have an inspiring and renewing Christmas celebration!
As we enter into the Christmas season, which lasts for the next couple weeks, may God grant you and your family all the goodness that Christ’s birth can bring. May you have joy, peace, and good will at this time. And, also, wishing you a Merry Christmas…