The birth of Christ is the real meaning of the season
First of all, I would like to thank Mrs. Black and Mrs. Lewellen for their letters of concern about the holiday musical. Although they disagree with each other, it brings to our attention the real reason for this season. We can talk about all the other holidays that different cultures practice, BUT the real reason for the season is the birth of CHRIST. Catholic Hispanics celebrate the struggles of Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus and they call it Las Posadas. African Americans decided in 1966 that they wanted to celebrate their culture at the same time Christians celebrate theirs and they called it Kwanzaa. Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration of the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. The temple was a place to gather and worship God who later became flesh and dwelt among us. His name; JESUS.
His birth, life, death and resurrection has been the single greatest source of hope to mankind since the beginning of time. Regardless of nationality, religious preference or even the complete lack of any common decency at all; His sacrifice was for ALL.
In my humble opinion, I believe the school should incorporate ALL nationalities and have a couple songs to celebrate each. I think our response should be one of inclusion and not do away with things that our children enjoy. I work in a very diverse environment and I have asked questions of many of my staff. NONE of my African American, Hispanic or jewish colleagues feel that they have suffered any long term damage from participating in CHRISTMAS programs as children.
Separation of church and State is an argument that cannot be settled easily. Our Country, and States were founded on Godly principles and I believe history has shown the decay of countries and schools since GOD has been pushed aside.
We need to be diverse BUT not at the expense of being de-sensitized to the real meaning of the season. The birth of Christ. Larry Osborne Baltimore