The reason for the season

· Well, here's one more restriction to which Christians are expected to bow down in obeisance to the god of political correctness. L. A. Morris (Open Forum, December 4) feels that Christians should curtail their Christmas light displays so that we will not offend those of other faiths. We are supposed to "hide our lights under a bushel," so to speak.

L. A. Morris does not comprehend that Christians celebrate with light because we believe that Jesus was the Light who came into this world to light up the darkness. Sometimes the true message gets hidden amidst all the Santas, reindeer, and candy canes, but those who look carefully will find the real meaning of Christmas in the portrayals of the birth of this Child, born in a humble beginning, who eventually gave His life so that anyone who receives His gift may be assured of a forever life as a beloved child of God.

I'm sorry if some may be offended, but Christians still have some dwindling rights in this nation to express the joy they feel at the celebration of the birth of this Savior, Jesus. . . .

BILLIE KELLY

Highland

· . . . Our home is decorated both inside and out. In fact we have been doing this for nearly 30 years we have lived here. We do this not only for ourselves but for our grandchildren, our neighbors, and others who like us, after church on Christmas Eve enjoy driving around admiring other homes.

September 11 was a day none of us will ever forget, but we cannot give in to the "whackos" that tried to change our way of freedom. If you should drive by our home you will see "Old Glory" flying strong, right along with Santa, candy canes, motion deer, icicles and even red bows on the front porch. . . .

ETHEL NAUS

Banning

· . . . L. A. Morris has completely missed the point. When people decorate for the holidays, they are expressing their joy in celebrating their beliefs -- not an unpopular opinion. They are offering visually to share the joy with all. If you don't have or want the Christmas spirit, that's OK, but don't infringe on their rights to express their joy.

Don't you cheer at sporting events? Or are you so afraid of offense that you can't pick a team? Is your life so bland that nothing brings you joy or hope worth celebrating? . . .

BARBARA BERGAN

Cabazon

· . . . If not by definition, then by practice, America is a Christian nation. As such it is a foregone conclusion that its religious leanings are in that direction. If other faiths choose not to display the trappings of their beliefs on occasion, that is their right.

To say that the Jewish people do not display Hanukkah lights is to ignore a window that displays a menorah. If other faiths choose to do likewise this is one of the basic freedoms of our great country. No one is telling them not to do so. . . .

PEARL GENNARO

Riverside

· I say: "After 9-11, we all should have learned the lesson: our country is in trouble!"

. . . But why should we as Christians be expected to change our celebrations and traditions now? We didn't recently decide to decorate. Our celebrations and traditions go back many years.

Are we really going to let the terrorists do that to us? I hope not!

DONA LEEPER

Riverside

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