Dear Editor:

Ayuh. The silly season has begun. The turkey is in the fridge or between the bread. Some have saved hundreds at the mall while others offer up thanks for the finely groomed slopes. Many are dusting off their card list while communities across America are lighting up their annual Christmas trees. Right on schedule, the naysayers are lighting up their bah humbugs.

Aside from “A Christmas Carol” scenario, it never ceases to amaze me why so many who have so much can be such a Scrooge over six little letters: X-mas as “Christ” is always acceptable to them. Cards, trees, shopping and especially gifts — as they all love getting the gifts — are all acceptable as long as they are not accompanied by the dreaded “Christ.”

What is the significance of these six letters, C-H-R-I-S-T? Most people in our society view the name Jesus Christ as merely a first and last name, which was not the norm in First Century Christendom when and where “Christ” was used to denote either God’s Person or Holiness, according to my Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.

Simply put, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, come among mankind to bring the greatest Christmas gift ever: love. Aside from some arbitrary reason of family or work, etc., one seldom gives gifts to those one does not love. Hence, what a great Christmas gift is God’s Love for one and all.

There are many who would expunge these six letters from our celebration. However, despite what America does with the word Christmas, over all the world and in every nation, the Christ Child is still the reason for the season.

Dave Ricker

Wiscasset