The other day I was in El Pollo Loco and a guy came up to me and said “Merry Christmas!” with such excitement in his voice it brought cheer to my heart. As I returned the same greeting I reflected on his attitude in spreading Christmas Cheer. But what does Merry Christmas mean?
Merry Christmas – The word “Merry” means “to be full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit, laughingly happy; mirthful; festively joyous; hilarious.” You get the idea right? Think of the most cheerful time in your life, and well, you’ve got a personal experience with the definition of “Merry.”
And, the word “Christmas” signifies “Christ’s Mass” meaning the festival of the Nativity (birth of Christ). That is, God become human flesh and was born in a manger to save the world from sin and death. In “The Franklin’s Tale” Chaucer alludes to “Nowel” (Noel) as the “festive cry” at Christmastide. And we have that same festive cry in our culture today. We say “Merry Christmas!”
But I am sure you’ve heard many people struggle with loneliness during holidays. Holidays often bring back painful memories of family failure and broken relationships. Maybe even you are struggling with feelings of lonliness during this Christmas…
But if we take the time to remember the true meaning of Christmas, we will understand how much God loves us. And God’s love, will overshaddow any temporary feelings of lonliness.
So use a merry attitude and festive shout to proclaim the Joy of Christmas. And look for opportunies to explain why Christmas is a Merry time of celebration…even while eating at El Pollo Loco…
Friday, December 18, 2009
El Pollo Loco And Merry Christmas
The other day I was in El Pollo Loco and a guy came up to me and said “Merry Christmas!” with such excitement in his voice it brought cheer to my heart. As I returned the same greeting I reflected on his attitude in spreading Christmas Cheer. But what does Merry Christmas mean?
Merry Christmas – The word “Merry” means “to be full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous in disposition or spirit, laughingly happy; mirthful; festively joyous; hilarious.” You get the idea right? Think of the most cheerful time in your life, and well, you’ve got a personal experience with the definition of “Merry.”
And, the word “Christmas” signifies “Christ’s Mass” meaning the festival of the Nativity (birth of Christ). That is, God become human flesh and was born in a manger to save the world from sin and death. In “The Franklin’s Tale” Chaucer alludes to “Nowel” (Noel) as the “festive cry” at Christmastide. And we have that same festive cry in our culture today. We say “Merry Christmas!”
But I am sure you’ve heard many people struggle with loneliness during holidays. Holidays often bring back painful memories of family failure and broken relationships. Maybe even you are struggling with feelings of lonliness during this Christmas…
But if we take the time to remember the true meaning of Christmas, we will understand how much God loves us. And God’s love, will overshaddow any temporary feelings of lonliness.
So use a merry attitude and festive shout to proclaim the Joy of Christmas. And look for opportunies to explain why Christmas is a Merry time of celebration…even while eating at El Pollo Loco…
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