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Representative Jim Buchy
Celebrating the
Christmas Spirit
‘Tis the season for Christmas trees, holiday wreaths, gifts, and
enjoying the company of our loved ones as we sit by the fire. But most
importantly, Christmas is a time to join together to celebrate Christ’s
birth. In the hustle and bustle of shopping and decorating Christmas
trees, we often forget the true meaning of the holiday and the faith
upon which our nation was built.
From the earliest days of our nation, our founding fathers used their
faith as inspiration as they created our great republic. The
Constitution they created contained the undeniable declaration that all
Americans must enjoy the freedom of religion. Our founders believed so
strongly in this that they placed it along with the freedoms of speech
and assembly. Many left their homelands to come to America for this
basic freedom that today is sometimes taken for granted.
Amongst the holiday cheer though, we often find ourselves too caught up
in adhering to political correctness. Every year, it seems there are
those out there who stir up conflict because they do not celebrate
Christmas or honor the reasoning behind it. They would rather that we
do not have community nativity scenes, and prefer that we stick to
words such as “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas!”
This is a theme that is becoming all too common with the Christmas
season, and I believe it must not continue. We all recognize that we
live in a very diverse world in which people make their own life
choices according to how they see fit. This doesn’t mean that we
restrict others from their customs. It means that we all have something
to bring to the table, and Christmas is part of that for the vast
majority of Americans.
As we continue through the month of December, I encourage you to live
out your faith, beliefs, and traditions—whatever they may be—without
apology. Respect others, learn about one another’s traditions, and
teach others about yours. Spend time with your family and friends, and
enjoy this joyous time of year. The birth of Christ is reason to
celebrate!
As for myself and my family, we wish all of you a very “Merry
Christmas!”
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