Well-Mannered Frivolity: I'm celebrating the birth of Jesus

Last week the Nativity scene at Charleston Fire Station 12 was removed after receiving a complaint from the Wisconsin based Freedom From Religion Foundation. Well, Station 12 restored their Nativity on Tuesday and "enhanced" it with other holiday decorations. They added a Santa, some elves and reindeer, a menorah, and a Kwanzaa kinara. Freedom From Religion Foundation's staff attorney, Rebecca S Kratz, said "the modified display is probably OK. In terms of the Nativity if you muddy it up with secular decorations, federal courts have deemed it permissible."

Muddy up the Nativity?!? I am the only one who has a problem with this statement? If you are so offended by having to look at a plastic rendition of the Holy Family as you drive by at 55 mph that you drop a brick in your Depends every time you drive by it, then I have something to say to you--GROW A SET! Is your faith in your lack of faith that weak?

I was not born yesterday. I know your rational arguments. In fact, I used to make them myself a few years back. I know that studies of the flora and fauna as described in the book of Luke make it unlikely that Jesus was born in the winter. I also know that the date December 25 has pagan significance. I know that when the early church fathers were trying to convert the pagans they turned pagan holidays into Christian holidays. I get that. I really don't care if Jesus was born on December 25, June 25 or April Fool's Day for that matter. I like celebrating it.

Jesus could have chosen to come to earth as a mighty ruler in an opulent castle. He could have chosen to come as a mighty warrior. But no, He chose to come as a defenseless baby born in a lowly stable. He was born to die on the cross and save us from our sins. He is my, no, scratch that, he is Our Lord and Savior. Whether you choose to accept that is up to you.

So go ahead, believe that I am a fool. That's your right. I am proud to live in a country that allows us to worship (or not worship) any way we see fit. I don't care if you are a pagan, a Buddhist, an atheist, Jewish, Sikh, a Jain, a Zoroastrian, a Rastafarian, or if you worship the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It doesn't bother of offend me. Just please, give me this one day to worship my Lord and Savior.

And to the men and women of Fire Station 12 I say, "Rock on!"

Wendy