Some pastors and Christians across the globe are enraged that Starbucks decided to make their holiday cups solid red with no snowflakes, Christmas trees, or other holiday insignias. Is this really the way Christians should be reacting? I am a Christian who will not stop supporting Starbucks just because they chose not to place any Christmas symbols on their cups. After all, you’re only going to drink the beverage and toss the cup in the recycling, right?
The fact that Christians are all in a tizzy about this is upsetting. Starbucks never claimed to be a Christian company. With over 21,000 stores across the globe, in multiple cities and countries, with multiple religions being served, why on earth would Starbucks include Christmas symbols on their cups? Seriously, think about that for a second.
From a business perspective, what Starbucks did was genius on their part. They aren’t dissing one religion, nor are they supporting one religion. They simply chose to buy into the consumerism of the holiday by choosing one of the traditional holiday colors: red.
Personally, I will continue to buy my favorite latte, because the fact that the cups are red doesn’t upset me, a Christian, one bit. I much prefer smaller coffee shops with locally grown and roasted coffee, but from a commercial standpoint, Starbucks has my vote.
What upsets me is the fact that the sole basis of Christianity is love. Christ loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins. Therefore, we are to love our neighbors as ourselves. I don’t believe that Christians shouldn’t stand up for their faith if they are being persecuted. However, Starbucks is persecuting no one. Some Christians have chosen to make a scene over something so miniscule.
What about the Christians in other countries that are being persecuted and killed for their faith? What about the over 397,000 children in foster care who need homes? Why are we, as Christians, not talking about the things that actually matter?
In my opinion, having snowflakes, Christmas trees, Merry Christmas, or even Bible verses on coffee cups won’t save the lost.
The lost are saved when Christ brings Christians into the lives of the lost to build relationships. The lost are saved when they look at the lives of believers and realize that their lives are different from their own. Their lives are richer and full of something they don’t have but they’re longing for. The lost are saved when they see Christians loving all people and focusing their energy on building relationships with those that are lost and setting the example for those around them. The lost aren’t saved when Christians choose to ridicule Starbucks and cause a scene over red cups of all things.
