WHY THE WORLD NEEDS CHRISTMAS - Charles F Vinson - December 1973

Charles F Vinson

Behind the modern observance of an ancient pagan holiday - now clothed in religious respectability - is an urgent need within every human being. Here's how that need should be filled. THE SEASON to be jolly is nearly upon us again. With it will come parties, gifts, family get-togethers - and very likely a stern reminder not to forget the "real meaning of Christmas." Such an admonition stems from a sincere desire to circumvent the blatant, overwhelming commercialism of the season. But as usual, the warning will be almost totally ignored, and understandably so. The "real" meaning of the holiday has always been annoyingly vague. What parent hasn't felt the obligation to explain to children that Christmas is "when we celebrate Jesus' birthday"? At the same time, it is common knowledge that no accurate date for the birth of Christ has ever been established. To confuse matters further, the alleged birthday of Christ has come to be inescapably associated with a fat man secretly bearing gifts in the night, decorated evergreen trees, and all the other traditional Christmas paraphernalia. - Information Supplied By: Herbert W Armstrong Library