OPINION: An old-fashioned CHRISTMAS

By Jannie B. Johnson

JA Guest Writer

It’s Christmastime in America, the land of the free and the home of the brave!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given…. The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6a, c    

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:4    

Telling the old Christmas story at Christmastime is an America tradition. It’s a tradition to be remembered and passed on. Christmas is a Christian holiday for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Christ of Christmas. No one knows the exact date of Christ’s birth, but most Christians observe Christmas on December 25th. On this day, many go to church and participate in special religious services.

During the Christmas season, people exchange gifts and decorate their homes with holly, mistletoe, Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights. Many churches display the Nativity scene. It shows figures of the Holy family, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus surrounded by farm animals.

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. 

In many parts of the United States, it was a tradition for groups of carolers to walk from house to house and sing Christmas songs: “Silent Night”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”, and “O Holy Night”.

Some traditions should be remembered and passed on because they are more than just customs. 

On this Christmas day, in the midst of enjoying and admiring our children, grandchildren, and family, let’s remember they need more than the gifts from the stores. They need those intangible gifts, too. They need to know how to live with themselves and others. They need to know how to forgive and how to cope with the pressures of life and living, and becoming and remaining responsible people. They need the gift of “insulation” to help them to weather the storms of life. They need controls within to be honest, trustworthy, and industrious all year round. They need the gift of Truth from above because sometimes the difference between right and wrong is the razor edge of truth.   

Now unto you and yours an old-fashioned Christmas and a traditional New Year!