Oh, boy.

Here we go again.

We’re all out there, minding our own business, trying to love the people right in front of us, when another controversial Christian post goes viral. Yet, its all over the news and social media….”Christians in an uproar over Starbucks Red Cups!!!”

It’s true. We Christians have always been a little touchy about our “Merry Christmas.” But have Christians become more devoted to the phrase “Merry Christmas” than to the person of Jesus Christ?

A perfect God, disregarding His own majesty, wrapped Himself in human flesh, and chose… on PURPOSE… to live in our mess. He arrived to ungrateful, wicked people who were not looking for Him. But HE found THEM. He found us. He loved us. He chose to interact with us in OUR environment and lovingly drew us into a relationship with Him.

When Jesus came to earth, there was no “us vs. them”, there was only “God With Us”.

After death on a cross and a miraculous resurrection, He left His followers with a challenge to make disciples.

Notice that the Great Commission does not say, “Go into all the world and defend Christmas.”

He didn’t even say, “Go into all the world and defend Me.”

Christ never asked us to defend anything. He asked us to be on the offense, gently but urgently loving those around us.

So, in light of this newest Viral Christian Bitterness, here are a few ways to respond!

1. Love Your Barista

This is not his/her fault. They probably love Christmas as much as you do! Be friendly. Be refreshingly kind and patient.

2. Love Your Neighbor

Instead of getting riled up over a mere paper cup, pay for the person behind you and have the barista write “Love Your Neighbor” on it!

3. Love Christmas

Love ACTUAL Christmas . Be joyful and loving to those around you. Bake cookies for friends and take the spirit of “Emanuel” (God With Us) seriously. Choose to die to your own opinions for the sake of drawing your neighbors to Christ.

And remember…

There are no Christians companies.
There are no Christian cups.
There are only Christian people called to love their neighbor.

As you wait in long holiday lines to sip your Peppermint Mocha Latte from your bright red Starbucks cup, may these words from Philippians 4:14, 15 be your inspiration –

 

“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, Children of God in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the heavens.”