Festival meaning (From York Press)

Festival meaning

9:56am Saturday 2nd December 2006 in Letters By Reader's letter

I AM writing in response to the letter published in good faith in Soapbox on Tuesday, November 21.

Firstly, I would like to make it clear that I did not write that letter or approve of its contents. I am very disappointed that the writer of this letter, a so-called friend of mine, used my name without my consent, and did not have the courage to use his own name.

Secondly, some facts about Christmas. December 25 has been a pagan festival, but it is also definitely a Christian one. I am very saddened that some people see Christmas as an excuse for eating and drinking to excess, and I find it appalling that this festival has now become so commercial. May I remind people that the reason we exchange presents at Christmas time is in recognition of the fact that God gave his son to be born into this world, and in the end to die for us.

Finally, how is the great Christ-mas celebration viewed by those who do not believe in God or in Christ?

Do they ever ask themselves: "What is the meaning of life?", "What is the point of living?", "How do we come to be on this earth at all?"

Deep questions - any answers?

M J Ellis (the real one), Gormire Avenue, Huntington, York.

• In response to Mr Westlake's letter (All-faith tree vs real Christmas? Letters, November 29), why shouldn't there be references to several faiths around the base of the York city Christmas tree?

While is is perfectly true that Christmas is indeed essentially a Christian festival, it is disconcerting to learn that a "leader of a Christian church" hasn't done his homework properly.

The Christmas tree has pagan origins, NOT Christian ones.

The Romans and druids would bring evergreen branches and trees into the home in celebration of the winter solstice, which falls on or around the December 21, depending on the position of the sun.

Therefore it is hypocritical of Mr Westlake to deny other faiths a point of reference on the tree.

As a Christian, he can lay no claim on it whatsoever, any more than those "other faiths" can.

Benjamin Shaw Heslington Lane York