There has been a great deal of talking and writing lately about the failure of many people to recognize the "true meaning" of Christmas.
Probably much of this talking and writing has been justified and is serving a purpose in turning the thoughts of a lot of us to that "true meaning'' as held by the Christian church. For most of us within the "hearing" of this column, Christmas does mean the anniversary of the birth of Christ and the hope and promise which he brought to the world.
We do need reminding of this message of Christmas, we do need prodding to turn to our churches with prayers for the restoration of peace to this strife-torn world.
But in so turning, let us not lose sight of that more common meaning of Christmas - the joyous occasion for demonstrating our love for our neighbors, for giving to others, for bringing happiness to children in the spirit of Santa Claus.
This is no denial of the "true meaning'' of Christmas. Instead, it is a part of that meaning. There is room for both in our observance of Christmas. In fact, there can be no complete Christmas without both. Nor do the teachings of our churches deny this.
There can be nothing wrong in grasping the happiness of your family to your heart in a joyous Christmas observance. But how much happier the occasion for you and all of your family in the knowledge that you have sought to give joy and happiness to others at this season.
Even in the mere friendly greeting as we pass on the street, in the effort to help someone less fortunate in worldly goods do we, ourselves, find greater joy within our hearts.
So let us all this year give Christmas its fullest meaning and in our prayers and in our lives reach out for peace on earth, good will toward men.
To all of our readers we say - Merry Christmas.