DEAR EDITOR:

Snow is falling from the sky. A brisk, chilly wind is blowing. Christmas trees are decorated, Children are dressed warmly as they play in the snow. Children are making snowmen, throwing snowballs and making snow angels. They frolic joyfully as they run to and fro with their friends.

Yards are adorned with festive lights. Nativity scenes are rarely seen. Instead they are replaced with the Grinch, Frosty and Santa. Cash registers are cha-chinging from people buying presents for their loved ones. Grocery stores are busy due to people getting their Christmas dinner feast. People are in better moods at Christmas. Salvation Army kettles and Santas are on every corner. It is Christmas time again. But where is JESUS?

Isn’t He the reason why we celebrate Christmas at all? It really bothers me that he is being pushed back and Santa is in the front. Telling the Santa story is fine to tell your children, but we as parents should tell our children about the birth of Jesus above else. There will be an empty chair at the dinner table at Christmas time for some people. A loved one is no longer there. Tears may shed for some people at Christmas time. Joy is coupled with pain at the loss of a loved one.

Please reach out to someone who is not as fortunate as you. If you can, help the elderly and the downtrodden.

I lost my baby girl a few months ago. But she will forever live in my heart. She sat in the chair that is now empty. A lot of us had a loved one who can no longer sit in the empty chair. In my humble opinion we should give love as JESUS loves us.

We should spread the love and compassion of JESUS CHRIST. He is the reason that we celebrate CHRISTMAS! Merry Christmas everyone!

JENNIFER Y. WILLIAMS

Warren