Some thoughts on the true spirit of Christmas

Opinion: December 23, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

EDITOR:

Peace on Earth and good will to all — these are familiar words that capture the spirit of Christmas for Christians. In a world that is plagued by war, poverty, abortion, genocide and so much more, Christmas should be a time when we shine the light of truth on the horrible injustices of the world and reach out to our oppressed brothers and sisters.

During this holy season, Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace. If Christians would only follow Christ in His love of the world’s downtrodden, then perhaps skirmishes over how we greet one another (“merry Christmas” or “happy holidays”) would subside with the growth of our determination to help the poor and marginalized.

Instead of revisiting the Constitution concerning the display of Nativity scenes or other religious symbols on public property like courthouses or town squares, let us revisit the life and words of Christ as He implores all of us to be brother and sister to one another. If our neighbor says “happy holidays” out of respect for people of another religion, Jesus who greeted His contemporaries with the word shalom will understand.

It’s tempting to blame political correctness or materialism for crowding Christ out of Christmas. However, if Christians “beat their swords into plowshares” (Isaiah), and follow Jesus’ breathtaking example of sacrificial love, then Christ will most assuredly have a place of prominence in their celebration of Christmas.

Let us reach across the fences, borders and oceans that separate human beings so that we Christians who live in America can embrace our Muslim brothers and sisters, and be more concerned about our neighbors’ welfare than we are their documentation.

May we honor the Prince of Peace by transforming our Christmas celebrations with that same wonder, grace and integrity that was born in the village of Bethlehem 2000 years ago.

TERRY VICARS

Youngstown

Tips from a waitress

EDITOR:

I know you’ve gotten other letters like this, but I’m hoping just one more will get through to people who go out to eat.

I am a waitress in a fairly new, upscale restaurant in the area. First, we are not waiting on you for $6 or $8 an hour. We make $3.43 an hour. We live off our tips. Most of us don’t even get a paycheck, or a very small one, because at least 10 percent of our sales are withheld for taxes. So when you “forget” to leave me a tip, a percentage is still deducted as if you did.

Second, when I turn my money in at the end of the night, 3 percent of what I make goes to the bartenders, hostesses and bussers. So if I didn’t get a tip from you, it is costing me for you to eat at my table.

Third, if you decide to go out in a group on a weekend night, after you have eaten and paid your bill, please do not sit at my table and catch up on past months or years. I can’t earn any money if you are taking up one or two of my tables.

Lastly, if you have a gift card or certificate to pay for your meal, please don’t tip me on what you ended up paying. If your bill is $40 and you have a gift card for $30, please don’t leave me $2 based on the $10 you paid. Tip on your total bill.

I guess what I am saying (along with every other server in the world), if you can’t afford to tip, please do us all a favor and stay home and eat.

SARA KALE

Austintown