Do you remember when folks wished each other a Merry Christmas?

I do, although, only vaguely.

I’ve grown up in a politically correct society where it’s almost unacceptable to wish anyone a Merry Christmas. The word Christmas might offend them.

So, instead, we play it safe and wish each other a happy holiday. That way we don’t offend anyone.

That used to bother me.

After all, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Christ. CHRISTmas.

See the connection.

But these days, it doesn’t bother me as much as it once did.

Maybe I’m maturing.

Or maybe, I’m learning that words don’t speak nearly as loudly as actions.

I can wish someone a Merry Christmas.

I can even be sure and emphasize the first syllable so they know what this holiday is about.

Or, I can show them what this celebration is about.

Steve Maraboli, Executive Director of the Michael Thomas Research Center for Social & Behavioral Science in New York, was quoted as saying, “Want to keep Christ in Christmas? Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted, care for the ill, love your enemies, and do unto others as you would have done unto you.”

That’s so good, I wish I had come up with it. Of course, Mr. Maraboli didn’t come up with it either.

In the book of Matthew is says, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Here in Butler County we have the opportunity to keep Christ in Christmas without saying a word.

The Butler County Children’s Advocacy Center has a list of children and families that are in need of clothing and gifts this Christmas. We have the chance to “adopt” a child or family and help them with those needs by purchasing clothing and a present or two, and in the process, show these families the love of Christ.

I can’t think of a better way to wish someone a Merry Christmas.

To “adopt” a family call (334) 382-8584.