Plenty of Christ
In Christmas Still

I read with interest Mr. Russell’s letter to the editor of Dec. 20, in which he commented on a perceived a lack of religious observation of the Christmas holiday. I thought about his letter and must respectfully disagree with Mr. Russell’s observations. While I have no knowledge of the resolutions of Mr. Peter Welch, I have made some observations of my own that I would like to share with Mr. Russell.

I spend a great deal of time driving through central and north central Vermont for my job, and there isn’t a town or hamlet I drive through that doesn’t have a manger scene in front of at least one of its churches. I also see numerous small manger scenes in the front yards of private residences, along with the requisite holiday themed lighting.

Do you listen to the radio at this time of year? With the exception of some humorous holiday carols, the radio waves are resplendent with some of the most beautiful music ever written and performed in honor of the birth of the one you call Jesus. I can also say that I received my share of religious and spiritual holiday cards and greetings this year.

In my humble opinion, I feel that the religious aspect of Christmas may, at first, be overshadowed by the commercialization of the holiday, but from what I have seen, the spiritual aspect of it is still strong and alive. I am not a follower of traditional Christian beliefs, but personally I would be offended by seeing an inflatable "snowglobe" with a manger scene inside, or a "flattened" archangel attached to someone’s telephone pole, all in the name of making the religious aspect of Christmas more visible. It seems undignified and disrespectful.

It isn’t as important to blatantly advertise one’s beliefs on his or her front lawn as it is to honestly, in one’s heart, hold true and fast to one’s beliefs, no matter what they are.

Blessings for a compassionate New Year.

Julie Manchester

Randolph