Christmas
"As the Christmas season will soon be with us again, I wish someone would write something on the subject. Is it right for Christians to observe the season in any way, even by giving gifts or other "Christmas" observances? Do we not join with Catholics in celebrating a religious festival when we have a Christmas tree, etc.?"
— A Confused Reader
The person who signs the letter "A Confused Reader" sure is. Some words have grown to be a part of our every day expressions without carrying the full import of the original meaning.
The writer of the letter makes use of such words, and found it necessary to say, "the Christmas season will soon be with us again." It would have been a little awkward to refer to that season without using the word "Christmas." I think it will help the reader to think along these lines:
Can a man close his store on Monday without paying homage to the moon?
Can a man worship Christ on Sunday without doing service to the Sun?
Can a man take his children on a picnic or give them gifts on Saturday without worshipping Saturn?
Can I send my friend a card or give my wife a present on December 25th without holding mass for Christ- Have I told a lie if I tell some child, "Old Santa brought it?" Before you answer that one, answer this: Is the mother telling a lie when she sings to her baby, "Bye, O baby bunting; Daddy's gone a-hunting, To catch a little rabbit skin, To wrap the baby bunting in"?
And while I'm thinking of it, Jeremiah 10:1-5 does NOT refer to a Christmas tree.