Annually, around this time of year, a certain atmosphere of excitement and altruism begins to heighten and generate throughout the nation and the world that becomes contagious, regardless of one’s religious persuasion (or lack of). Christians and non-Christians alike around the world have celebrated Dec. 25 as the date of the Birth of The Christ Child since 354-AD when Bishop Liberius of Rome ordered the people to observe that date.
As the exact date of Christ’s Birth is unknown, it was observed on different dates prior to the selection of this one–that was already being celebrated by Romans as the Feast of Saturn (Birthday of the Sun). The Jewish holiday Hanukkah (Feast of the Dedication) is also celebrated on this day. For many reasons, therefore, ’Tis the season to be jolly!”
The issue now should not be about deleting the word Christmas from the holiday, but in adding meanings of the season that ALL people may better understand (and subsequently learn to better appreciate the differences in one another–as in nature!
The most elementary example is found within the human body itself. Observe: the eyes, the skull, the flesh, skin and color, hair, the teeth, nails, bones, bodily fluids, etc., all totally different in shape, composition, texture, etc., yet each is a critical component of the complete whole.
The first thing learned in pre-school is addition–and that addition means more; also that the opposite, subtraction, means less. As mankind naturally matures physically, the brain automatically does not. It therefore becomes more important to educate–physically, mentally and especially spiritually–on a broader scale at life’s earliest stages–most effectively by example!
To insist that in a multi-cultural society that we celebrate each season for the same reason is perpetuation of the same “melting-pot” theory which is not realistic as all true unity in nature is through diversity, not uniformity! Therefore, rather than focusing on controversy over “the reason for the season,” it would seem far more unifying to educate one another on all of the existing reasons for celebration while adding new ones if and/or when desired. The key is more education and less decoration that all may celebrate, whatever the most cherished reason–for truly “’tis the season to be jolly” and the farther the joy of the season will continue to extend progressively throughout each successive and. . . HAPPY Holiday Season!
