CAN-ORANGE-L Archives

From: "Brian McConnell" <>
Subject: The Tradition of Christmas
Date: Sun, 5 Dec 1999 11:14:08 -0400

As the stores are all now decorated for Christmas ( and have been for
several weeks in some cases ) here in Canada and people are now putting
up outdoor decorations around their homes and Christmas music is
beginning to be heard on the radio, I thought perhaps List Members might
find the following Editorial from the November - December, 1995 issue of
the Sentinel interesting. Have things changed?

THE TRADITION OF CHRISTMAS: THAT MAGICAL TIME OF THE YEAR!

A time for us to give thanks for all that God has given us.
A time to rejoice with family and friends and share the love and peace
that this yuletide brings.
A time to reflect on the passing years and enjoy the memories of all the
good times.
A time to love thy neighbour and reach out to shake his hand.
A time to set aside all prejudice forever. A toast to all of you with
love that will last you throughout the year.

CHRISTMAS is a time to give thanks and reflect upon the past. It's a
time for many to return home, to share one's blessing and to join in the
festivities with their families.

When the children were small, family members sometimes sat ten or twenty
strong around the Christmas Dinner table and as the years rolled on
empty places began to appear as loved ones were called home to their
eternal reward. But in the midst of all the jubilation and at that
particular moment, a note of sadness could be felt because of those
empty places and the laughter that no longer could be heard. But as
we're told, life goes on and as the smaller children matured into adults
and began to raise their own families they too practiced and passed
along those ancient traditions of Christmas.

In our materialistic world which seems more concerned about promoting
the symbol of Santa Claus for monetary profit instead of celebrating the
real meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ, it becomes
adamant for Christian families to carry on the fine traditions of
Christmas - and yes, there's a place for Santa too, providing it does
not overshadow the real meaning of Christmas.

Unfortunately, throughout this great nation, we will, once again, hear
of some school boards and municipalities frowning upon the singing of
Christmas carols or the placing of nativity scenes in public areas.
Before the real meaning of Christmas becomes obsolete, we each need to
show a little more concern about where our Christmas traditions and
values are heading. If we supported and made as much noise about our
holy days and traditions as some of Canada's newest arrivals, we just
might be able to preserve what's left for those who are yet to come!

"LET'S KEEP THE TRADITION OF CHRISTMAS THAT MAGICAL TIME OF THE YEAR!"

On behalf of the President, Directors, Shareholders and Staff of the
Sentinel our thanks for continued devoted loyalty and our sincere good
wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

This thread:

• The Tradition of Christmas by "Brian McConnell" <>