TO THE EDITOR:

I am writing in regards to the parade that was on December 5 throughout downtown Lincolnton. It was rightly called a "Holiday Parade" because it was definitely not a "Christmas Parade."

This is a town with one and a half pages of churches listed in the yellow pages of its phone book. We live in the bible belt of America. I can recall only two themes that came even remotely close to resembling the true meaning of the Christmas season.

If someone is so offended about the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, that they can't say "Christmas" or hate the name of Jesus so much, then they should stay home and not participate in this particular holiday. I don't observe Kwanzaa or Hanukkah nor do I go about trying to ruin or discredit those holidays for those who do honor them. Why should the multitudes suffer because of people's indifference?

Yes, everyone is entitled to their opinions as that is one of the things that makes our nation the greatest. Our nation was also founded on the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. We have come a long way off.

With the amount of churches in this county, there should be so many floats and signs honoring the birth of the Lord in our county's parade that if the crowds don't like it, they would be out numbered and can find an alternative holiday to celebrate the carnal desires.

I, for one, refuse to cower at the media's feeble attempt to wipe out the true meaning of Christmas and replace it with all the hoopla of the distractions of the "holiday." I will still have a manger scene at my house as well as a Christmas tree as opposed to a holiday tree. And above all, I wish you a very Merry Christmas! For without Christ, there is no "holiday."

ROBIN VERGINIO