"Merry Christmas" NOT "Happy Holidays"

A recent Rasmussen Report clearly shows that 72% of Americans prefer "Merry Christmas" while only a mere 22% prefer to say "Happy Holidays." Since I was a child in the early 1950's, everyone I knew always said "Merry Christmas."

It was a special time of year with lights in the windows and a real tree in just about every home. The trees were so fresh we could smell the rich, deep scent of pine permeating the house throughout the whole Christmas season. Christmas carols were sung by schoolchildren and adults alike; nobody took offense to the songs, but sung them with meaning.

We definitely lived in a different time - a much better time. Life was simple and uncomplicated. Cell phones and computers, as helpful as they are today, interfere with human relationships. Instead of "texting" a person, spending time talking to them one on one helps a friendship to grow and mature. Televisions with 200-300 channels have little, if any, quality shows to watch and waste time rather than helping to develop knowledge.

If we take Christmas out of the season, what are we celebrating? Without the meaning behind Christmas, what is the reason to give gifts? Why not just wait for birthdays to come in order to have a party because that is all we are doing.

Personally, I love the saying, "Jesus is the reason for the season." If you don't' agree with this, stay home and watch television on Christmas. If you do agree with this statement, pray for our nation and its citizens. Little by little, we are losing our individual self-esteem and national pride. Our country was founded by Washington, Jefferson and other Founding Fathers who were proud of their religious beliefs. They knew our country had to be based on strong convictions and faith in order for it to grow. Their religious principles brought us to the point where we have grown into a powerful nation. Our lack of religious principles is slowly dragging us down to a materialistic society.

Let me tell you something. Jesus IS the reason for the season. Over 2000 years ago, by His birth, Jesus brought meaning, purpose and love to our empty world. We celebrate His birth, His coming every year at Christmas. By partaking in the celebration of this beautiful time, our love for one another increases. We must strive to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts all year. Merry Christmas to you and your family!