Editorial

This year I almost feel guilty for celebrating Christmas. Because of all the turmoil in the world, perhaps I don't believe we should be exhibiting signs of happiness or joy.

Maybe that's why my preparations for Christmas seem to be lagging behind. It's difficult to get into the spirit of the season when the news continues to be filled with the war in Afghanistan, conflicts in the Holy Land, and violence in other parts of the world.

Yet I was reminded by an article in this week's Catholic Herald by Fr. Lawrence E. Mick (see our special section) that life was not peaceful even at the time of Jesus' birth. Israel was occupied by a foreign army. Mary and Joseph were forced to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census. They could not find room in a hotel, so they sought shelter in a barn. Jesus -- the son of God -- was born in a lowly manger, surrounded by animals. Imagine the dirt, smells, and chaos of a mother giving birth under such conditions.

Later in his life, Jesus experienced the power of evil in the world, which led to his suffering and death. Yet, in all his teachings he emphasized that his followers should love their neighbors, even their enemies. Despite the turmoil in his time, Jesus celebrated at weddings, gathered with his friends for meals, and enjoyed telling stories to children.

So if Jesus were here today, he would tell us to celebrate his birthday with joy. He would encourage us to put a smile on our faces. He would remind us that he is with us, in good times and in bad -- and it is up to us to bring the light of his love into a darkened world.

Jesus would urge us to reach out to those in need, pray, and work for lasting peace. Today, we are his hands and feet, carrying out his message of love to a world badly in need of healing and reconciliation.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

To the editor:

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

I am reading and reflecting on peace. It is my opinion that war is not compatible with the teachings of Christ. I also believe that by failing to listen and/or attempt to understand the other side, we are limiting our opportunity for agreement and negotiation.

Being righteous and proud leads to desperate moves, not solid reflections of Christ. Currently our government is bombing Afghanistan. My opinion of this assault on terrorism is confused at times, however it typically reflects peace.

I am always going back to the important question -- What would Christ do? War is not compatible with the teachings of Christ.

Perhaps this war is a "just war." It seems obvious that our enemy has turned his back on Christ. But, to what extent should we permit ourselves to turn our backs on Christ's teaching and do this with a righteous clear conscience? A lack of reflection leads to immorality and desperate actions.

Is this war unlike others? The leader hides like a mouse in a hole, allowing for very little correspondence. Or, have there been attempts of good faith that have been ignored or misunderstood? These questions deserve our mindfulness and prayers this holiday season.

Peace,
Kelly Parks Snider, Oregon

God known as Father, not Mother

To the editor:

Mr. Keith Massey's letter to the editor printed in your Dec. 6 issue regarding feminine imagery in reference to God demonstrates that he is more moved by modern ideology than by fidelity to Sacred Scripture which always calls God, Father.

For nearly 30 years, these individuals and radical feminists have sought every opportunity to identify God as female or, at best, never to use the masculine pronoun when referring to God. To refer to God the Father as Mother introduces all kinds of problems, mostly about Jesus who then has two mothers, not to mention how it fouls up the Incarnation.

Max Twainer, Madison

Pray for lasting peace

To the editor:

At this time during Advent, always: Let's pray that the Gospel of non-violent alternatives for lasting peace moves through international cooperation.

Fr. Norb Dall, New Lisbon