By Jim Fischer
Recently, I was at a special meeting with a large group of people waiting to see Santa Claus while he was in town. I noticed something different about the event. And other people there were discussing the same distraction. There was no Christmas music to be heard. But even more noticeable than the lack of carols was the missing star on the Christmas tree. It became a distracting topic of discussion as we moved closer to meeting with the jolly ole StNick, the atmosphere was anything but jolly. And the discussion definitely had a cooling effect on the event; with no music and all the commotion about the missing star. As we approached the chair where Santa was interacting with the children I could see there appeared to be some concern on Mr. Claus himself.
Even though he did a pretty good job to make up for the lack of festivity at the event, I could still feel it in the air. As I was able to enter the area close to the presence of Mr. Clause I heard Mrs. Claus mention the distraction and the reason for it. I couldn’t believe my ears and I spoke out loud trying to respond to Mrs. Claus’s comment. I expressed my disbelief in unfortunately an even more disturbing way than what the lack of the star itself was causing. Speaking above the others; Excuse me Mrs. Claus did I hear you say… the commotion was becoming noticeable. Mrs. Claus, did you say the star was missing because… Someone pushed me aside to get closer and enter into the discussion. You could see Santa’s helpers were starting to notice the drawing away from the purpose of the event.
It was then that Santa himself stood up from his chair and walked over to the crowd that had once been a line and in a loud voice said; They removed the star from the tree as well as silencing the music so as to not offend anyone that might be here today. There was silence,deafening silence in the room.
How could the star which represents the star over Bethlehem where the Christ child was born,the star that guided the wise men who came from afar to worship the son of God. How could the star that represents the greatest story of all mankind be “offensive”, And Christmas carols? The songs of Emanuel, The songs of the new born King. The songs of joy, How could anyone be “offended” by such music? Christmas means Christ celebration. And it stands for the greatest gift of all time.
This is not a season of Holidays. It is the season of Christmas. It is the season of giving and that is why Santa Claus who symbolizes gift giving celebrates on Christmas. Because it was on that day God gave us the greatest gift of all. If that offends you… then come see me. Or the millions of Americans to whom that star is important.
Jim Fisher has lived on a small farm outside of Hudson for 30 years. Jim has been married to Jayne for 36 years. Together they have raised two daughters. (no grandchildren). Jim has served on the Unit Five Board of Education. Jim works with the McLean County Tea Party.
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