Reason for the Season

[lukec]

Hey guys

Long time no chat. Anyway, the other day I was reading the local news around here and I discovered this gem in the "Letters to the Editor" section.

"Reason for the Season

I think more should be heard from those of us to whom Christmas is all about Christ. Our culture attempts to distort the true meaning of Christmas. The life of Christ is a historical fact, not a myth. The Old Testament of the Bible tells us we are like sheep gone astray, so God sent his son. John 3:16 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that who ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.' Wow, what a message to everyone. So let us forget all about political correctness nonsense. Let us sing carols and proclaim the true meaning of Christmas to the whole world. Not to those confined to churches and homes only. It's not about gifts and Santa Claus. It's all about Christ's birthday. We want children to know the truth. Merry Christmas. -Stella Attrell"


Of course I was irked, but I am sad to say that it seems to be the prevailing school of thought (if it can be called that?) around my area. I also recently learned that we have about 40 churches for the population of about 50 thousand so it's not really surprising. Anyway, I wrote my own letter to the paper so we'll see if they publish this:

"Re: Stella Atrell’s 'Reason for the Season.'

I would have to agree with Mrs. Atrell, that the meaning of Christmas has been distorted. However, the blame doesn’t all fall on modern culture; some, at least, lies with those who took the date from a pagan ritual in order to smooth the transition into Christianity. Further, the life of Christ is not a historical fact, it is a belief supported only by a self-affirming (and self-contradictory) book. This is why belief requires faith. So without belief in Christ, what does Christmas mean? To me, Christmas is just a holiday, albeit one which brings with it pleasant traditions and delicious turkey. More importantly, however, it’s also a time to enjoy the company of loved ones. It doesn’t have to be about Christ’s birthday. I think children really should know the truth, and be given the choice to separate myth from reality. Happy New Year!"

Of course, I don't think they will publish this, but you never know.