A Jew at Christmas

When in my early twenties, I worked for an upper class women’s clothing store chain which was owned by a local Jewish family Mr. “B”, as he was affectionately called, was a rather flamboyant man, very friendly, kind to his employees, and loved chit-chatting with his wealthy clientele, especially when they were in the market for a new fur coat.

Mr. “B” was a devout Jew. He was not ashamed of his faith, and was an active member of the local synagogue.

There was something else about Mr. “B” that’s worth mentioning.

Mr. “B” loved Christmas.

He made sure all his stores were decked out for the Christmas holidays. Employees wore Santa caps, Christmas trees were everywhere. Decorations galore. He came whisking into the stores several times a day. “Merry Christmas, everyone. How’s your family, dear? What are you doing for Christmas this year?”

He would never have considered having his employees wish anyone “Happy Holidays”. He’d have been appalled if someone had said they were offended by “Merry Christmas”. After all, as a Jew, he certainly wasn’t offended. Regardless of his views on who Jesus was, he loved the festive atmosphere, the smiles, the well wishes, and the happy faces of shoppers and children out making last minute purchases.

We need more Mr. “B”s.

I’ll bet when the stores closed on Christmas Eve, and he counted up all that money he made on clothes, jewelry, shoes, fur coats, purses, etc., that he and his family were at least tempted to join hands and sing “What a friend we have in Jesus.”.

Yeah. We need more Mr. “B”s.