Fr. Andrew Dickinson is the new chaplain of the Catholic church located at the Newman Center, South Dakota State University. For the past Sunday masses, and in a number of daily masses, Fr. Andrew Dickinson has been condemning the “Merry Christmas” greeting.
The first time I’ve heard Fr. Dickinson asking people to avoid saying the “Merry Christmas” greeting before December 24th, was that afternoon when I felt, for the very first time, the very spirit of Christmas. The moment I thought Christmas was already in the air, Fr. Dickinson cut the happy moment short. That was sad. He said in his homily that people should not use “Merry Christmas” but rather say “Have a good Advent.” He further said that whenever someone will say “Merry Christmas” to him before the 24th of December, he will not answer the same.
I understand his argument. He contended that “Merry Christmas” is often said minus the real meaning that comes with the words. In short, people who utter the greeting without knowing what it truly carries, are hypocrites and pretenders. He said that Catholics must instead prepare themselves for Christ’s birth and start the “Merry Christmas” greeting on the 24th and on each day for 12 days thereafter (like the 12 days of Christmas).
What I don’t understand from Fr. Andrew Dickinson’s views is his generalization that everyone who says “Merry Christmas” isn’t meaning it. I don’t know, maybe some of his American parishioners are bluffers. That is why he thought everyone inside the church thinks and does like his parishioners. I have high respect for Fr. Dickinson and love his homilies. Truly. It was just this stance of his that I find a bit off.
But what about those who believe the real meaning of the words upon utterance? Why would Fr. Dickinson ask for the avoidance of the greeting when, most often, there are others who think “Merry Christmas” is indeed proclaiming the Christ Child as the center of the Christmas Season, regardless of the date?
Christmas in the Philippines usually start when the month ends with ‘ber’ — that is September. We have been known to have the longest Christmas celebration in the world. When we hear someone say “Merry Christmas” early in the year, we never condemn him or her. Why should we be disgusted with the words when the Christmas spirit never fails to bring joy, unity and peace to the community? If only Christmas can be celebrated every day, we will.
Had Father delivered the homily in my country, people will be left frowning for his unusual message. I felt sad when I listened to his homily that afternoon…maybe there were others in the church who were affected too. I bet, had there been someone in the church who had less faith in Christmas, would surely lose his belief in seconds.
Tell me Father, am I now an enemy of Christmas for wishing family and friends a “Merry Christmas” before December 24?
Father Dickinson, there are so many Catholics out there who know that the central focus of this season is the birth of the Christ Child. I really hope that priest like you won’t ask believers to stop wishing people a “Merry Christmas”. Fr. Paul Rutten never asked us before. Or maybe Fr. Rutten understands “Merry Christmas” better.
In SDSU campus where the Christmas spirit is hardly felt, Fr. Andrew Dickinson should have made Christmas a little happier, merrier… Christmas can be MERRY and blessed at the same time, even before Christmas day.
I would have wanted to say “Merry Christmas” to Father Dickinson before the semester ended. But I did not. After all, like what he said, it isn’t yet the 24th!
Well, technically, Fr Dickinson is right, since Christmas celebrated is not until Dec 25th. The Church celebrates Advent as a time to prepare to celebrate the Nativity. Think about it do we wish people happy birthday months in advance? No, now if I’m not going to see someone on the actual feast day of Dec 25th, I will wish them a Merry Christmas. I agree and support Father in his comments.
I agree with you Eric.
I mean, I see the point of Father Dickinson, but teaching something like that is quite negative. In a world already broken and filled with need for joy, I think the Philippino (sorry if spelling is wrong)way is perfect.
The most joyful time of year is coming soon, the birth of the one who came to save the entire human race, how can we not bless others with a “Merry Christmas” on our lips? I see where he’s coming from and I understand but just can’t agree. We need to spread joy, not reject it.
Its sad that you would delete my comment, simply because it didn’t agree with your views. Also a sign of a non critical thinker.
I never said you were wrong, I simply disagreed, just like you have the right to disagree with father and also it appears with me, but not say that he is wrong.
This last action of yours of deleting my comment, speaks volumes of your character. I would suggest you evaluate your actions.
I never deleted your first comment. The comment section is moderated and it just happened that I haven’t checked the blog for days, leaving some comments unapproved. I understand your viewpoint. But i hope you won’t judge my character just because you did not see your comment published promptly.
Eric,
I understand your point but I also understand Fr. Dickinson’s. I think that the word Merry Christmas often gets thrown around as if it were a holiday greeting, when the meaning of uttering those words is so meaningful and should be said carefully. People become immune to the true meaning of what it really means to be spiritually preparing for the birth of Christ. One can always say season’s greetings, or something along those lines. Merry Christmas isn’t the only phrase available. I don’t think his intentions were to make Christmas a little less merry, I think he intended for everyone to prepare more spiritually than anything. Besides, everyone usually worries more about giving and receiving presents than the actual significance of the birth of Christ. you don’t have to agree, but you should try to understand. I also found it a little selfish that you compared him to fr. Rutten. kind of like how everyone at first compared Pope Benedict to Pope John Paul II. No two people are alike, and therefore, he can only be himself. He can’t try to fill anyone else’s shoes but only leave traces of his own for people to follow or admire. Lastly, to make a claim and say that father’s claims would call you an enemy of the church for wishing family and friends a “Merry Christmas” before the 24th, are not those of a critical thinker. Your argument was a fallacy. But I enjoy your train of thought.