Nobody can curse what God has blessed. 

I will testify that having a “Merry Christmas” has nothing to do with presents and everything to do with His presence.  And guess what?  From the beginning of time, God allows His promises to be born in strange places. “In a manger” (Luke 2:7). My Savior was born outside the world’s acceptance. “No room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).

Having a "Merry Christmas" isn't about being liked by the crowd, but it does signify that not even a “King Herod” can take you out. “Stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him” (Matthew 2:13). 

Remember, the devil doesn’t fight us because of where we are; he fights us because of where we are going.

And what God desires to be born cannot be stopped by mere man. The meaning of Christmas shows that we should never allow the extraordinary to become ordinary in our lives. “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10).  If God has begun something in your life, do not abort the “baby” because of pain. Stay where you are in God’s protection, no matter the condemnation, for when the pain gets greater, the birth is soon after.  PUSH. DELIVER. “So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered” (Luke 2:6).

"Merry Christmas" means God will deliver His promise in spite of us. “And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). And He desires to be with us, regardless of our circumstances.  “And they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23.)

Understand that God assumes all responsibility when He places a promise inside of you. And even confirmations will be sent that what you birthed is from divinity--when you have Christ at its center, wrapped in humility.  “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). And the purpose--the promise--must always give “glory to God in the highest, ” and the gift must bring “peace and goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).

That is the meaning of "Merry Christmas."

ED. NOTE: Matthew Maher is a former professional athlete and author of the newly released book U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE? His “Decisions Determine Destiny” assemblies are funded by State Farm and service youth in the tri-state area. He is the President of Soldiers For Faith Ministries and also the Director of Student Ministries at Coastal Christian Ocean City. He served four years and seven months in N.J. State prison and was released August 2014. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com. Follow him on Twitter @mattmaherstory and on Instagram @matthewmaher7.