Christmas of 2008 finds the world in a financial crisis. The profits of large companies and the actual financial structure of most countries have taken a hit far beyond any recent record. It would be easy to allow this atmosphere of disappointment and gloom to steal the joy and the true meaning of Christmas.
With His coming, the Christ of Christmas has provided a personal bulwark of defense that runs far deeper than the situations of our environment. The giving of Himself and His love to us is the ultimate gift of gifts. Through the surrounding circumstances of life may be challenging, His gift shall forever be constant and eternal.
The real meaning of Christmas is to celebrate Christ’s birth, and in so doing, share this love with all those around us. Although this season may be one of limited gift giving, we have no limitation on the sharing of ourselves, gratitude and love with others. There is no greater gift than the gift of ourselves.
When the financial figures fall, may our spirit of gift than the gift of ourselves.
When the financial figures fall, may our spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving rise. God has given His Son. We live in a land of plenty and freedom. Though affected by our surroundings, our inner selves cannot be broken or discouraged without our relinquishing of that personal spirit of love and reassurance.
As a daily anthem to the Christ of Christmas, shall we boldly declare “Merry Christmas” whenever and wherever we go. No matter the attempts to remove this declaration, it is and forever shall be a joyful pronouncement of Christ’s birthday. Join in the celebration, and have a very Merry Christmas.
— Elton Slusser
Opinion
True meaning of Christmas must never be forgotten
- Opinion
-
-
Bill Stewart was indeed ‘special person’ as coach and off the field
Bill Stewart enjoyed the highest of highs during his time as West Virginia University’s head football coach.
Stewart, who died at age 59 on Monday of an apparent heart attack while participating in a golf tournament at Stonewall Resort, coached the Mountaineers to a 48-28 win over heavily favored Oklahoma in the 2008 Fiesta Bowl. -
State economy being altered by booming natural gas era
A new horizontal well in Tyler County produced an amazing 7 million cubic feet of natural gas in a single day, along with 650 barrels of valuable liquids: ethane, propane, butane and pentane.
-
‘Operation Blue Haze’ is example of cooperation in war on drugs
Amazing things happen when agencies pool their resources and work together.
And a shining example of that is “Operation Blue Haze,” which targeted street-level, mid-level and upper-level drug dealers and resulted in arrest warrants filed for 53 people on drug, trafficking and weapons charges. -
How can an inmate run for president?
Anyone can grow up to be president.
A boy who lived in a one-room log cabin with his family in Kentucky — Abraham Lincoln. -
County Project Graduation must have support and volunteers
Certainly Fairmont will be having another of its famous all-night student parties following graduation this year.Well, it will, won’t it?We hope so.
-
Exercise control over ballot access to make elections serious business
Elections are serious business.Candidates make their best pitch to voters, who have the power to hire and fire government leaders.
-
Marion County school system shows that it’s getting stronger
The accolades keep coming for schools within the Marion County system.
Last week, U.S. News and World Report released its annual list of best high schools in the nation and then a state-by-state report with even more details. -
Mothers are the family glue that always holds everything together
Our country is truly indebted to Anna Jarvis from our neighboring Taylor County for her inspiration and dedication in founding an annual Mother’s Day. Of all our national celebrations, Mother’s Day allows us an opportunity to honor and celebrate the role of motherhood.
-
Trip to Afghanistan ‘excessive celebration’?
Membership has its privileges.
And so does being an incumbent running for office. -
It’s weekend to celebrate for college grads in area
The last exams have been taken. The final projects have been evaluated. Books and notes have been shoved to the side, and students around the region are wrapping up the last few requirements of their college careers.
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Bill Stewart was indeed ‘special person’ as coach and off the field
