Commercialism Only Adds to Joy of the Holidays

Dr Ghate has identified the spiritual meaning of Christmas - banishing duty, confirming joy and benevolence, and reminding us of what lay beneath the excited anticipation of our childhood Christmases. Let's all welcome back the light.

Valda Redfern 6:22PM December 21, 2009

"Perhaps now more than ever, we all need to remind ourselves that reaching joy on this Earth is the meaning of life."

There's a whole lot contained in this simple truth. Just reading it, with everything it implies, brings tears to my eyes.

Jack R. of CO 5:39PM December 21, 2009

I appreciate very much the honest expression of this article. I dont care if he is an athiest. He doesn't expect everyone else to be one, even if he is right or wrong.

Mark of OR 5:01PM December 21, 2009

from Wikipedia - The solstice itself may have been a special moment of the annual cycle of the year even during neolithic times. Astronomical events, which during ancient times controlled the mating of animals, sowing of crops and metering of winter reserves between harvests, show how various cultural mythologies and traditions have arisen. This is attested by physical remains in the layouts of late Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological sites such as Stonehenge in Britain and New Grange in Ireland. The primary axes of both of these monuments seem to have been carefully aligned on a sight-line pointing to the winter solstice sunrise (New Grange) and the winter solstice sunset (Stonehenge). Significant in respect of Stonehenge is the fact that the Great Trilithon was erected outwards from the centre of the monument, i.e., its smooth flat face was turned towards the midwinter Sun.[7] The winter solstice may have been immensely important because communities were not certain of living through the winter, and had to be prepared during the previous nine months. Starvation was common in winter between January and April, also known as the famine months. In temperate climates, the midwinter festival was the last feast celebration, before deep winter began. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was almost the only time of year when a supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time

karl meisenbach of TX 3:57PM December 21, 2009