I found the letter by Hank Davis (Jan. 12) interesting. I do not know the details concerning the removal of the nativity display from the Stone Road Mall but apparently there were no laws broken or code of ethics violated or even a public outcry. Mr. Davis suggests that Christmas has not “remained a celebration of the birth of Christ for most Canadians”. This may be true. Has it become a retail event? Perhaps. If there is no deep historical meaning to Christmas, could we celebrate it in July when the weather makes it easier to focus on family and friends and generosity? Maybe we could downplay the spending part and reduce the financial stress of over spending and going into debt for the sake of generosity and shift the emphasis to spending TIME with people, a much more precious commodity. Mr. Davis states that “Canada is now a multicultural society. That means it is no longer a Christian nation.” I am not sure how that equates as I know people from various cultures that hold to Christian beliefs. It maybe the idea taught that there is no right or wrong to beliefs and that all are considered equal. I am curious that the manager of the Mall did not embrace multiculturalism and invite other cultures to display their icon of Christmas. In todays dogma of acceptance and tolerance I find it hard to believe that the Nativity display was “intrusive or offensive”, as Mr. Davis suggested. Should churches keep any displays inside church walls so as not to offend peoples of all faiths, including atheists who maybe walking by in public areas where churches are located? Maybe many people look at the Nativity display as not just a religious symbol but maybe an icon of hope that after the Christmas season we will read that assaults, murders and suicides were down 50 percent instead of the Holiday season sales were up 18 percent from last year.
Michael Thorp