To the editor:
Recently, I attended a “holiday” program at a local elementary school. It was evident that the teachers and students were well-rehearsed and they did a fantastic job. I am sure the families attending were as excited as mine.
I noticed that traditional Christmas songs, particularly those relating to the Bible account of Christmas, had been rewritten to portray secular themes. When I asked an elementary student if they sang Christmas songs in their original form in class, she replied, “we’re not allowed because some do not believe.”
She went on to say she believed in the birth of Christ. She said they were not allowed to have a “Christmas” party, again, because of those who do not believe.
When I think of all the traditional Christmas songs, songs written such as the “Hallelujah Chorus,” “O Holy Night” and many others, I remember something that might be surprising today. I learned this music as a student raised in the Kokomo school system. Music taught by my teachers in a public school.
How sad that we have become so politically correct as to portray this type of music as divisive or oppressive. The message of a Christian Christmas promotes hope, faith, love, peace, good will towards all men. Values that last far longer than tinsel, Santa, Rudolph or Christmas decorations.
We should not be surprised at the shallowness of this generation when they have not been given an opportunity to have faith in something besides themselves.
The values of Christianity will create a well of benevolence, care and love for one’s fellow man that will not come from a politically correct secular society.
Christians may be perceived as an oddity in a politically correct world, but we have a consolation in one of God’s many promises — “That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Yes, Elizabeth there is a Jesus. He is King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Amen and Amen.
Pastor Steven Maxie,
Faith Baptist Church
Greenwood
