Special Editorial
What we see is generosity, not hostility
Some folks believe in a “war on Christmas” — an offensive against being offended, you might say.
Every year around this time, the stories start making the rounds. We hear accounts of bureaucratic brawls over Christmas trees and Nativity scenes in public places. They supposedly signify a larger battle being waged for the hearts and minds of the nation, a struggle between flip sides of the American coin: E Pluribus Unum ... from many, one.
However, if such a war is in fact being waged, we can see no evidence on the Cleveland County homefront.
Empty Stocking Fund
For years, The Star has teamed up with the Salvation Army to help local families in need. The Empty Stocking Fund invites contributors to shine a light on people struggling through their darkest hours. And more often than not, it reaches or exceeds its fundraising goal.
How, you ask? It’s simple. Hearts and wallets open up.
Elementary school classes collect pennies in jars. People who have lost loved ones make donations to honor their memory. Small businesses and corporate giants write checks. Anonymous donors pony up.
While their methods may differ, they all share the same spirit of voluntary generosity.
Last week, the Empty Stocking Fund was $2,209 short of its $12,000 goal. Lyn Radeker, owner of Wellness Training Associates Inc., and her husband Gwynn, an assistant district attorney in Lincoln County, sent over a check to make up the difference.
“I hope Sgt. Ann (Bennett) does a dance in the floor, kicks up her heels and says, ‘Praise the Lord,’” Lyn Radeker told The Star.
The show of generosity did inspire a dance of joy. Bennett, Amica Thomas and The Star’s own Jackie Bridges kicked up their heels in the newspaper’s front lobby.
More than 100 Cleveland County residents have contributed to the Empty Stocking Fund to provide food, clothing and Christmas gifts to needy families. At a time when unemployment is high and middle-class families are struggling themselves, that statistic ought to inspire a victory dance.
Allies, not enemies
While some traditionalists bristle at the “Happy holidays” greeting, many have found that the banner better describes the highly commercialized atmosphere of Santa, flying reindeer and Frosty the Snowman than the religiously rooted “Merry Christmas.”
The Christmas and holiday crowds can find common ground if sincere Christians work to separate the sacred aspects of the observance from the strictly secular ones, explains Charles C. Haynes, director of the First Amendment Center’s Religious Freedom Education Project.
Every bell jingling at a Salvation Army kettle and every good deed great or small is proof of the Christmas spirit, the true meaning of the holidays or whatever term you prefer. It’s proof that thousands of people in our community care about the well-being of their friends and neighbors.
And as far as a “war on Christmas” goes, people are free to believe in the existence of such a conflict. Around here, however, we see plenty of peace ... and goodwill.
This editorial was orignially published in the Shelby Star, Tuesday, Dec 28 and is reproduced here with their permission. Click here to read it on their website.