Dear Editor
I read the editorial titled “Christmas celebrations indicate Americans penchant for secularism” (Baptist Message, Dec. 6) with much interest. It echoes many things I have observed over the 89 years I have witnessed changes in our culture’s approach to Christmas.
What we have arrived at in 2012 is what a devout Christian friend of mine calls “Shopmas!”
Any reference to Christ can hardly be found! In truth, this date for Jesus’ birth is in error from the start.
The date of His birth is not known, therefore perhaps Christians should re-think this, and set a new date stipulating no trees, no gifts, (note that I am not saying “no giving”), no Santa Claus, no Christmas wreaths, bows, decorations, etc, etc (ad nausea), ….but music – much music – and Scripture reading, more than we have now. And more worship and more praise of Him!
Let the Dec. 25th date stay as is, only let it be known as a “Winter Festival” which it was from before the time the early fathers decided it might be a good idea to combine the two things, and thus it passed down to us as a cele-bration of Jesus’ birth.
Alas, we know this will not be done, but at Christians I think we should rebel against some of the pagan practices that have gotten mixed up and practically overshadowed our savior’s birth.
Maybe some strong leader could come up with a campaign for reform. Actually, an early fall date would probably be closer to the truth, as the shepherds were “in the fields” at the time.
Mary Nott
Baton Rouge, LA