It used to be that we could open a greeting card in December that read "Happy Holidays" or even "Season's Greetings" without wondering what the sender has against Christmas. Why all the hypersensitivity to the correctness of good wishes these days?

Like Ebenezer Scrooge at the end of "A Christmas Carol," I hope to keep Christmas in my heart all year long. But some enthusiasts have twisted another page from Dickens' book, proposing a stake of holly for the hearts of all who do not go around with a "Merry Christmas" on their lips.

I admit I am puzzled when I hear about a "Holiday Tree" lighting ceremony. Hmmm, what holiday could that possibly be? It certainly does not belong to Hanukkah nor Ramadan, so let's just call it what it is: a Christmas tree. As a Christian, I am not offended by the display of a menorah, nor do I expect my neighbor, who is Jewish, to call hers a "Holiday Candle Holder" for my benefit.

If I insist upon "Merry Christmas" to the exclusion of all other good wishes, am I edging out some of the peace heralded by the angels when Christ was born? They said "Glory to God in the Highest," and not in English -- or even Latin -- either.

By comparison, "Merry Christmas" is a fairly new invention of language, and although I am quite happy to say it, I find it an inappropriate litmus test of true faith. It certainly isn't a precept of Christ, whose birth I am celebrating.

This is the truest test: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. And that's a whole lot harder than saying "Merry Christmas."

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace ..."

Click here for the Dec. 28 Spouse Calls.