Merry Christmas

Recently, I heard a song on the radio and every time they said Christmas, it was beeped out, like it was a bad word. They said that they could not use the word (beep). They would say merry (beep). It was humorous and still it was somewhat sad. Unfortunately, there is too much truth in it. There are places in our nation where they cannot use the word Christmas.

There are schools that have changed the words of Christmas songs to avoid anything that might represent Christmas. The war on Christmas continues, even though it is a National Holiday. Even then, some people want to change the holiday to Winter Holiday. Some places the Christmas tree has been replaced with a winter tree. I have never thought this would ever happen in our nation. In recent years it has occurred.

Some gain has been made. There were places last year where the personnel were forbidden to say "Merry Christmas," because it might be offensive to some people. Saying it could be a dismissal from their job. Saying Happy Holidays was more inclusive and was required instead of Merry Christmas. Christmas was getting censored out. They did not have signs up about Christmas, still a great portion of their sales were the result of people spending money for Christmas.

Acutely, while those firms were trying not to offend a minority of people, they were offending me and the majority of their customers. Nearly, all of the major stores were doing that last year, including the world's biggest corporation.

Evidently, they heard from their customers and their associates this year. Wal-Mart and many others have put up greetings for Christmas and their employees are again wishing the customers a Merry Christmas. When Wal-Mart announced the change to the employees this year the associates cheered the change.

The other day when I was at Wal-Mart I heard one of my favorite Christmas hymns on the intercom. That was pleasing to my ears and heart. I wanted to thank the manager for playing the music.

Christmas is such a special time and an important time. Still, there is a great amount of stress and we are continuously in a rush. Rushing, by not focusing on the real purpose, the observance of the special birth and through Him we can find peace in our lives.

This year we have observed our family Christmas differently than we ever have. We observed our Christmas last weekend. In recent years we have gotten together the week after Christmas or two weeks afterwards. However, getting together with our gang was meaningful and fun. It was really special and a real blessing. Yes, the pressure was on us last week. This week it is recovery time and looking forward to the special worship services this next weekend.

As I have told you in the past, I enjoy the music of this special season. However, next month, I will not enjoy hearing it again until we get ready to observe Christmas next year. Although, one of the greatest of Christmas hymns, "Joy to the World," is heard at other times of the year. That song has a special message and perhaps it really is a good song to sing throughout the year.

One of the good sounds we hear during this special season is the ringing of the bells in behalf of the Salvation Army. It is hard to believe that the French owned Target stores will not allow the ringers at their stores, as is the case of other firms. A great amount of good is done by this Army not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. There have been a great number of volunteers ringing bells at the local stores. Greg Hoffman, bell ringing coordinator, says that the schedule is nearly completed for this year, with only one position yet open for this season -- unless there are cancellations. He is to be complimented on the leadership he has given to this program, as well as anyone who has been involved.

There are a large number of generous people in this community who have shared their resources, making it possible for many to have a more enjoyable program. Really we know that Santa Clause is reaching many in our community.

Not only have people given of their resources, but many have given of their time and their skills. Just to name some of the groups in addition to the Salvation Army, they include the Community Outreach with food baskets, the Vernon County Ambulance District with their collection of toys, the Angels with their collection of gifts for teenage children and there are other groups and individuals. Certainly there is a great amount of Christmas spirit in the community.

The Light came into the world and we celebrate with lights. It does not seem like it has been 10 years since the lights in the business district were installed. When the lights were turned off, because they needed repairs and funds were lacking, it did not look right. It is great that Main Street had support in getting them back on -- another important part of Christmas.

Without the fear of censorship, a Merry Christmas is extended to you.