So it is Christmas

I'm watching a segment on Nightline about a man that preaches against consumerism at Christmas. He's pretty flamboyant, but I think he has a great point. We have allowed the merchants and businesses to hijack Christmas. First they took the gentle art of gift giving to an all out orgy of buying. There is a bigger diamond, a newer tech-toy, a cooler set of clothing. Then they took Christ out of the holiday. Non-christians have pressured businesses to remove any christian themes, leaving us with Santa Claus and snowmen. I was thrilled to see an ad by Sanderson farms that actually used the song 'Noel', and even had a bold "Merry Christmas" at the end. While it is still advertising, at least they aren't allowing political/social correctness to keep them from acknowledging what we all know- Christmas is about Christ, and gratitude.

I am all for including other holidays in our gratitude and acknowledgement, but let's don't leave out Christ, please. We are a Christian nation, founded on Judeo/Christian values, and I'm sick of having that removed from our public conscousness. I would never try to force my religion on another person, but I don't want religion taken out of the identity of this nation. Let's all respect one another's beliefs, and be tolerant of ideas that are different from our own. Respectful, but we shouldn't abandon our heritage out of pressure.

My hope for each of us, as we plunge into the Christmas season, is that we will each take time every day to express gratitude for our blessings. I hope and pray that each of us can remember why we celebrate this season, and not let the media blitz and advertising frenzy take away from our peace and joy. LET'S TAKE THIS HOLIDAY BACK! We do not have to be all things to all people, and there are other ways to express our love and gratitude than just with money or lavish gifts. Now, if I can only follow my own advice...