(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Even before Thanksgiving Day, the world was already turning to thoughts of Christmas. Christmas parades have happened, big sales at stores are going on, and the “world” is emphasizing Santa Claus, reindeer and the like. This is nothing new. The world has long rejected Jesus, the Savior of the world, in favor of a fictional figure who never died for anyone.

Kids enjoy thinking and talking about Santa and getting gifts, but it is all about a made-up person who has nothing to do with the real definition of Christmas. The root word of Christmas is Christ.

Jesus Christ, co-equal with God, came to this world over 2,000 years ago for the express purpose of saving people from their sins. What does that mean? Well, sin is anything we say, do, or think that is not pleasing to a Holy God. We do it all the time. People sometimes think they are not so bad … some say, “well, I have not killed anyone!” But that is not the point. All sins are equal in God’s eyes.

We need to understand how Satan, our enemy, has subtly removed Christ from the very holiday that bears his name. Even people sometimes are too lazy to write out the word, so instead will write X-Mas instead of the whole word.

What can we do about this? Well, without trying be a grinch, we can re-think how we celebrate Christmas. Nothing really wrong with buying loved ones a nice gift. But, do it with some common sense. I know some families where it becomes a competition to see who can outdo everyone else with how much they spend. There are some who have not paid off last year’s Christmas bills yet and it is time to start again.

It is the responsibility of parents to make sure their kids fully understand what Christmas really is all about. Explain to them how the world views Santa and what all that really means. Tell them the gifts under the tree are from Mommy and Daddy (if they are fortunate to have both) because Mommy and Daddy love them.

Teach them to be a better citizen and learn how to treat others. I have a favorite framed saying that says, “In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND.” Kindness is woefully absent in our world.

Be kind, today.

Robert Sadler

Marietta