To the editor:
I can’t tell you why this past year, more than previous years, I have become more aware that society has lost sight of the influence of Christ on Christmas. Maybe it was the full month of secular “holiday songs” played over our music system where I work that clarified what is happening to our Christmas season.
In a 12-hour shift, I now believe that a person has only so much tolerance to “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” and the like before he’s pushed over the edge. I so longed for just a carol now and then that gave some hint of the reason for the season. Where was “Silent Night” or “O’ Holy Night” or any of the cherished Christmas carols that uplift everyone at this time of year? Have we unconsciously traded the joy and true meaning of Christmas for political correctness?
The favorite perennial movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” comes to mind when I reflect on this Christmas season. George Bailey was born and raised in the town of Bedford Falls, where he gave so much of himself to make his community better by extending credit through his bank. His entire life shows us the true Christmas spirit that we would all want for ourselves and our world at large.
George falls onto hard times later with the loss of money from his bank and becomes despondent when the money can’t be found and contemplates taking his life. Then, his guardian angel steps in to rescue him. In an attempt to bring George to his senses, he allows George to see the world as it would be if George had never been born.
Sometimes I wonder if the secular world were allowed to see the world as it would be without Christ, would that open their eyes to what life on earth would be like without Christ’s influence. All that embodies the Christmas spirit, love, caring, giving of self, peace and goodwill to mankind would be missing.
It was Christ coming to us in our great need that brought us Christmas, and today we have no greater need than to keep Christ in Christmas.
The true meaning of Christmas was revealed to George Bailey with his community generously giving back to him; very much as God wants to do with us.
Peter V. Pinette
Woodland
