Why the Big Deal Over a Red Cup?

One of the latest flap on social media seems to be the decision by Starbucks to offer a simple “Red” cup during the holiday season this year.  Past holiday cups from Starbucks had featured snowflakes and evergreen trees.  Some have taken offense because they feel that the coffee giant is downplaying Christmas by offering a cup with no decoration.  Some have even gone so far as accusing Starbucks of “taking Christ out of Christmas.”  I must admit being a little puzzled over that allegation.  Frankly, I struggle to see a connection between “Babe in a Manger” and snowflakes.  Why the sudden offense?  Mainstream America has been downplaying the Christian theme at Christmas for years.  When was the last time you saw a nativity scene in a public park or municipal building?

To be honest, I can understand and even accept the cultural shift away from the "true meaning of Christmas".  When it comes to grasping the reason behind the shift, I need to acknowledge that our country is less religious than in the past.  I also need to recognize that we have become more diverse.  A certain percentage of the population comes from religious traditions that do not recognize the birth of My Savior.  I would not think of celebrating the birth of Mohammed, so why would I expect them to share the joy over Jesus birth? 

Instead of focusing on a “red cup” I believe we need to shift the emphasis to ourselves and our personal celebrations.  How do you plan to prepare for Christmas this year?  We are coming up on the season of Advent.  The intent of Advent is that it be a season of repentance.  It is a time when we contemplate on why the Savior had to come in the first place.  We are sinners in need of a Savior.   That Savior came in the form of a Baby born in a manger.  That should be a reason for joyful celebration, not finger-pointing and blame.  

One of the faults that Millennials have with the church is that we tend to be known more for what we are against, than what we are for.  From a biblical perspective that is “focusing on the speck in our neighbors eye, instead of the plank in our own” (Matthew 7:3).  My prayer is that we might be more joyful during this Advent-Christmas Season.  Our joy should not be confined to worship services and even family celebrations. If we attempt to live the “Spirit of Christmas,” perhaps the world will begin to see and understand the significance of Jesus birth.  Instead of focusing on “red cups,” we need to make “Christ the Center” of our Christmas.