I haven't heard much about the "War on Christmas" this year. Did we win?
As I recall, the War on Christmas had something to do with what's on the Starbucks cups, or being wished a "Happy Holidays" instead of a "Merry Christmas" by a store clerk.
Here's an idea: if you want to keep Christ in Christmas, be Christlike this Christmas. That means taking more of an interest in your barista as a human being than taking offense at the cup she presents you with.
Tone is important. If a grocery store employee wishes you a "Happy Holidays," and you respond with "Merry Christmas" in a smug, sanctimonious, or grumpy tone of voice, you may give that person a bad impression of Christ, Christmas, and yourself as a Christian. Time permitting, engage this person in conversation. Why, you might even want to invite them to church!
Like I'm doing right now! At First Presbyterian, we have contemporary worship at 9:00 AM and traditional worship at 11:00 AM. On Christmas Eve, which falls on a Sunday this year, there will be a Lessons and Carols service at 11:00 AM, and evening services at 5:30 and 8:00 PM. Let's worship together, wish each other a Merry Christmas, and get to know each other a little better.
Christmas is alive and well at 16 Hitt Street, and wherever First Presbyterian members and all Christians live and work and serve God in their daily tasks.