Re: Very Merry

"Brian Running" <brunning@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:AHZhh.39118$qO4.17554@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yeh, a CHRISTmas tree has nothing to do with CHRISTianity.

They were for the celebration of the solstice, the day on which daylight
began to get longer again -- still a big deal to us here up nort'. Didn't
you ever wonder what on earth a decorated tree has to do with the
Christian holiday? Nothing, that's what.

Just because it origins were not in the Christmas holiday doesn't mean it
hasn't been assimilated into the celebration.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee! !

Absolutely true, I couldn't agree with you more. But, if a municipality
decides to spend the money on it, it is defensible on First Amendment
grounds for the reasons I stated.

I think it is disingenuous to argue that it's secular in nature. Let the
local township put up its Christmas tree with wrapped presents underneath.
Let the children come by Christmas Eve to claim their presents. When each
child finds a copy of "Origin of Species" and the town doesn't go into an
uproar, then I'll believe in its secular nature.




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