aquagerl

Guest Writer

Hey, aquagerl here. I know this article is a little late, but I thought I might try and submit it anyway. I was reading through the Whyville Times when I came across an article by Geeko, who wrote on this same topic. Don't get me wrong, Geeko did a good job and I enjoyed his article a lot. However, there are a few questions I got to thinking about while I read.

Like, what is the true meaning of Christmas? Many forget why we have Christmas and simply think about the presents and the candy they will receive, which, when you think about it, can't possibly be the true meaning of Christmas. Come on, who would think up a holiday whose only purpose is to give people a chance to receive presents and goodies? Others say that the meaning of Christmas is to spend time with family and friends, be grateful for what you have and be loving and giving toward others. However, I, among many others, believe that the true meaning of Christmas is to celebrate Christ's birth so many years ago. Though these other things may be nice, I think that many are misled and forget what really happened that cold winter night nearly two thousand years ago.

Whether you believe in Jesus Christ or not, the fact remains (or so I believe) that he is the reason we have Christmas. I mean think about it: Christ-mas. It's not Present-mas, or Candy-mas, or even Giving Caring and Loving-mas. It's CHRIST-mas.

Also, in my opinion, it's not a matter of whether you believe Jesus existed or that he was never even born. I believe he did, and I believe he came to save mankind. Some believe he didn't, and that's fine. However, the fact remains that Jesus was born and lived just as we did and those that did follow him made this holiday, Christmas, to celebrate his birth and what they believe is the redemption of their souls.

Perhaps the caring, loving and giving part that so many believe is the true meaning of Christmas came into play to represent what Christ stood for. He came (in my belief, anyway) to die for people that didn't deserve to be forgiven, so that they could be. He came to give love to those who were cruel, to be a friend to those who had none, and to give to those that had nothing.

So, though Santa Claus, presents and candy are all nice to have, I strongly believe that Christ was born on Christmas day, the FIRST Christmas day, and that his birth is the whole purpose of this holiday. Then again, that's just my opinion.

Editor's Note: A quick question, aquagerl -- why do you say "that cold winter night"? Wasn't Jesus born in Bethlehem, in the middle east? Isn't that area awfully warm? I'm actually not sure, but I sort of imagine it to be a rather tepid evening, not chilly, and certainly not snowy! What do you think?

I also have heard that many Biblical scholars believe the man known as Jesus was actually born in the summertime... how would that change the meaning of Christmas? Would it change it at all? Why?