People are wrong to assume that wishing someone "Merry Christmas" risks offending non-Christians, Rev. Gerald Murray told Newsmax on Monday morning.
During an appearance on "Wake Up America," Murray, pastor of Holy Family Church in New York City, was shown a video clip of President-elect Donald Trump wishing attendees at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest a "Merry Christmas."
Host Sharla McBride then asked Murray why many people hesitate these days to say, "Merry Christmas."
"This is political correctness and the idea that if someone's not a Christian and you say 'Merry Christmas' to everyone, that they're going to be offended. That's just a wrong assumption," said Murray, who then offered a fitting anecdote.
"You know, yesterday, I was visiting a sick person, and the people in the room, her friends, were Jewish. And they said to me, 'Merry Christmas.' I said, 'Happy Hanukkah.' This is America. Religion is not forbidden. This isn't communist Cuba. This is a beautiful country. We have to thank God for that."
McBride asked Murray what people should focus on at Christmas.
"Well, as the saying goes, Jesus is the reason for the season," the pastor said. "And this is the birthday, the nativity of our divine savior. So, No. 1, we have to thank God for his goodness, you know, to reaffirm our faith that God is good, that he loves us.
"He sent his only begotten Son, and his Son is the real gift of Christmas, because now God is with us. He's among us. And what does he bring? He brings the joy that the angels sing. Glory to God in the highest. Our God is a good God. He loves us and he helps us."
Less than two months after a general election that prompted much partisan rhetoric, Murray was asked how family and friends should handle politics at Christmas gatherings.
"Turn on the football game," Murray said with a chuckle. "You know, focus on something else than the political world. Political world is great and interesting, but it's not the whole story. So, say your prayers, watch a game, enjoy the turkey."
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