Rasmussen released a poll a few days ago showing for the 3rd year in a row, Americans prefer “Merry Christmas” as opposed to “Happy Holidays”, this year by 70%. A separate poll earlier in 2011 by this same organization revealed that 78% of Americans believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Obviously, there is no way to tell how much overlap exists between the 70% and the 78%. But would it be reasonable to assume that most people professing belief in Jesus as the Son of God prefer to acknowledge the birth of Christ as the Reason for this Season as opposed to merely wishing someone benign holiday sentiments? I’m a bit curious about that 8% difference though.
Yesterday while waiting in my favorite line at Wal-Mart…the “20 items or less” {fewer} line, I counted 5 shoppers in front of me and 4 more behind me. At the front of what should have been an express line, the cashier stood motionless waiting helplessly on a shopper who sent her son back to the far reaches of the store to retrieve one forgotten item. As people became increasingly disgruntled by what most considered a selfish delay, I decided to break into song.
“JOY to the World, the Lord has come…everybody join in…” The response surprised me. Shoppers waiting with me in line initially turned to see who the crazy woman was. In a flash of comic relief…or I prefer to think of it as Christmas Cheer…they decided to sing along. In mere moments, tension and frustration dissolved into festive self-amusement as several off-pitch enthusiasts joined in singing, “Let every heart prepare Him room and heaven and Wal-Mart sing, and heaven and Wal-mart sing, and heaven & heaven and Wal-Mart sing…” Applause and laughter followed.
When finally my turn came to check out, the grateful cashier enthusiastically greeted me. “Happy Holidays…and Merry Christmas,” she said smiling, as if somehow she knew I am in the 70%…and the 78%.
JOY to the World, the LORD has come!
Livin4Jesus 