On Red Cups & Such

Starbucks revealed its 2015 Holiday Red Cup, and folks were upset because well...it was just, red. It's old news now; however, I just started blogging so here's my response - albeit a tad bit late (which shouldn't surprise those who know me). The decorative symbols we've grown accustomed to during this time of year (i.e. poinsettias, ornaments, snowflakes) have all been removed, which left one former pastor Joshua Feuerstein feeling some type of way.

He accused Starbucks of removing the symbols because they "hate Jesus".

Verbal annihilation in three, two...

Haven't we Christians been complaining for years about how all of this stuff clouds the real reason for the season (need I say it, Jesus)? So when it is finally removed, why are we now upset about its absence? If anything, Starbucks has done Christians a favor by wiping the slate clean of all the chum that distracted us.

Granted, there are many other supplemental traditions adopted over the years that Christians still include in our celebration of the Savior's birth and even more traditions that can be traced back to non-believers, so removing the decorations off of Starbucks cups is just a drop in the bucket-or cup. It is a start though.

Starbucks says, "This year’s design is another way Starbucks is inviting customers to create their own stories with a red cup that mimics a blank canvas." Let us accept their invitation to reframe the narrative; the season is about the Blood. Thank God it will never lose its power!

Mickey Noella

Oh, and another thing...Our personal home is decorated because that's how we do birthdays 'round these parts. How much more should we celebrate the birth of Jesus? Before y'all start with the "He wasn't even born on that actual day", let me say this:  there are plenty of other notable people who have A day (not THE day) set aside for us to celebrate them. The December 25th date has been chosen for us to celebrate the fact that Emmanuel did come. I'm sure glad about it.