Do they know us?

We have met the enemy, and he is us. –Pogo

(I am writing a post I really don’t want to write, but am finding I can’t not write.)

It’s likely that over the past week or so, you’ve caught wind of the 2015 “War on Christmas” being waged over Starbucks and their seasonal coffee cups. If you’ve been fortunate enough to miss the hubbub, here it is, in a nutshell:

In years past, Starbucks has created wintry cups adorned with symbols of the season: snowmen, snowflakes, reindeer. This year, they’ve chosen to issue a plain red cup. No decorations. And this has led some angry, conservative Christians to claim that Starbucks is “declaring war on Christmas.”

Seriously? All this over a disposable coffee cup? Who gives a flying . . . reindeer?

Here’s what I believe: God did not come in to the world in human form to teach us how to decorate coffee cups. God did not come to model taking offense over how we greet one another, or what kind of music is most God-honoring.

No. Jesus came into the world to teach us how to love one another. When we have plenty, he shows us how to share, to “pay it forward.” He reminds us that others will know we follow the Christ, not by our coffee cups, our t-shirts or CD collections—not even when we call ourselves Christians—but by our love. This week (and every week), how will you practice love in the ways Jesus taught us?

Monday Call someone whom you find easy to love. Tell them how important they are in your life. Ask how you might pray for them. Numbers 6:24-26

Tuesday As you go out today, find a way to bless another. Maybe it’s a cup of coffee or a bite to eat. Don’t be shy; Jesus loved mingling with strangers. Zechariah 2:10

Wednesday Choose a charitable group and make a donation, either of your time or from your pocketbook. Ask questions. Learn who is really being helped. Proverbs 14:30-31

Thursday Look inside your heart today. How do you feel about people who believe differently than you do—both Christians and those of other faith traditions? Why? Pray. Ezekiel 36:26

Friday Meditate today on a favorite gift someone gave you for no reason. If the giver is still alive, share your feelings. If not—thank God for the beauty of this saint. Mark 8:22-26

Saturday Do you find it easy to love yourself? Take time today to look at yourself through the eyes of the One who created you. Psalm 34:1-3

Sunday Have you been a contributor to your local food bank ministry? Bring an extra can or box next week. (If not—why not?) Matthew 5:6


I am a veteran of the War on Christmas. I am just emerging from a battlefield strewn with dead trees and torn shreds of brightly colored wrapping paper. –Henry Rollins

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