Published December 2001 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd The Real Story of Christmas
For many, Christmas brings to mind thoughts of stockings, candy canes, mistletoe, and presents wrapped in red and green bows. To be sure, Christmas is a time for children to rush down the stairs in anticipation of the bonanza of presents waiting under the tree. But there is another story that has nothing to do with Santa Claus or snowmen or eggnog. It is the tale of a family who found no shelter but a manger, and also the story of a newborn child who would become the savior of the world. "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn," Luke wrote in his Gospel. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." I worry that too many of us have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. The story of the birth of Christ has been overshadowed by the pressures and strains of a commercialized holiday. Families will spend hours at shopping malls, waiting in long lines, rather than in the company of loved ones or in church celebrating in song or prayer. Sadly, the Christmas season has become the shopping season. During this holiday, as families mourn those lost to terrorism and pray for the safety of those fighting abroad and defending our homeland, I urge West Virginians to reflect on their families and their faith and to read the story of Jesus' birth in the Gospels. Perhaps, then, the materialism that has come to dominate the season will fade and we can begin to truly understand the great and glorious story of Christmas. December 19, 2001