Letter to the Editor

Evergreen tree represents Christ

To the editor:

In the Dec. 6 Southeast Missourian, there was a letter, "Christmas tree is the wrong focus." Although evergreens were brought into homes by such people as the Romans at the beginning of winter in honor of their pagan gods, great leaders in the Christian church have given this custom a real Christian meaning.

The evergreen tree pointing heavenward is symbolic of eternal life for all believers through the redemption of Christ. We not pray to the tree. It's symbolic of Christ. I think the writer of the letter is reading something into a certain Scripture passage.

A further point is the cross, the Christian symbol. Is it the splinters of the wood or the rust of the nails? No. It's what it represents.

Another example is our American flag. Is it that piece of cloth of red, white and blue? No. it's what it represents that is important. Therefore, we respect it.

LEONARD A KUEHNERT, Altenburg, Mo.