We hope we're not bombarding you with too many statistics, but we're happy to report we have reached another milestone. More than 4.3 million letters and cards have been received so far this year. This is a new all-time record, surpassing last year's record total of 3.8 million.
Mail for December is expected to be quite heavy, due primarily to Mr. Armstrong's semiannual letter. In the first week, we have already received 100,000 responses. The total mail for 1984 will probably reach five million pieces.
Reactions to Christmas Booklet
Every year, thousands of subscribers request our booklet THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS and are shocked and amazed to discover the truth. They are so impressed that oftentimes they wish to pass on copies to family and friends. Some accept the truth and are eager to act on this new knowledge, even though their decision is an unpopular one. Following are some readers' comments:
My sister-in-law and I are interested in having an appointment with one of your ministers to discuss church membership, celebrating Passover; also Christmas and Santa Claus.
We own a Christmas ornament manufacturing business. Since reading your booklet about Christmas, we've been unable to start up 1984 production and proceed with a pending NFL licensing contract negotiation. This translates into financial disaster versus spiritual disaster — or does it? M.H. (New Orleans, LA)
Until I read THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS, I thought I was well educated about the day. Was I ever fooled — my education was only in the first chapter.
Never had I read about Nimrod and his mother-wife, nor about the Christmas tree's origin in Egypt. I had always thought the Druids were the real originators of those customs (Christmas trees and Santa Claus worship).
The beautiful Christmas poem I wrote, won several awards with, and sent to you sure must have been an insult in the least. I apologize very humbly to you. J.R. (Brunswick, GA)
Recently, a friend of mine shared your booklet, THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS, with me. It had a great impact on my attitude toward Christmas. It was also an answer to prayer, for I had recently completed reading a series about Nimrod and his mother wife and their deeds. I asked God for verification from another source. I was given your booklet.
I am very excited, and am interested in additional enlightening information and sharing the knowledge that I've gained with my pastor, Bible study group and youth group. Please send two dozen copies of THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS to me at the above address. M.S. (Elkins Park, PA)
I recently received your two booklets titled NEVER BEFORE UNDERSTOOD and THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS. I was very impressed with THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS, and would like six more copies for my married children, and to share with friends. Out goes our Christmas tree! E.R. (Racine, WI)
I am writing to request 20 copies of your publication THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS. I am glad to see someone with enough respect for Christianity to be willing to risk ridicule by publishing the unpopular truth about Christmas. I wish to share this with friends and family and hope you can send them soon. S.C. (Columbus, OH)
I have not only received your booklets but also read them and find them very interesting. My daughter is a little disturbed about what you wrote in your booklet called THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT CHRISTMAS, where you said something about Jesus not being born on Christmas Eve, but in September instead. I didn't get the chance to read this booklet but my daughter told me about it.
Could you also send me this booklet so I can read it and see what she got so disturbed about? She ripped hers up. So far you have proved everything you said and I believe in what you have written. B.H. (Holyoke, MA)
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
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