European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 23, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Christmas spirit is not something Learned in books Vivian Hartlev Hindrew. Guest columnist using one of my rare armchair Alico logical discussions with my grandmother i remember debating whether of not Jesus Christ was born in the Spring or Winter. Was he born in a a a real Manger or was there room at the Holt Day inn me an 18-Ycar-old, rebellious anti everything Radical a having just completed introduction to religion 101, knew i had her when i demanded proof of Christ a resurrection and a valid Cash receipt As proof that he did indeed pay off All his creditors before beginning his ministry i had had my fill of rip off televangelists Bible thumping preachers self righteous converts and new age christians toying with a Christ con  As far As i was concerned Christ existed Well Over 2,000 years ago nope of the original apostles except for probably John were the True authors credited in the new testament and Christ was not just a jew but a palestinian Jewler who a probably be denied citizenship in his own country were he alive today. I showed her the statistics from my sociology 101 class on the High number of suicides deaths and stress related illnesses that occur during the Christmas season. Then hurriedly flipping to Page 137,1 pointed to the bar graph  the amount of debt in credit card spending that people accrue trying to celebrate Christ s birthday with Good old fashioned 1i oliday cheer. I was convinced that this Jesus Christ character was an invention of big business a Sham to maximize profit and further squeeze the Little folks out of their hard earned Dollar. In my opinion my grandmother was Loving but very naive. 1 happily went about my see Niffie Obj Elliona blk right brained duly of working paying taxes and saving the world from communism rapists rappers thieves and the a a Arsinio Hall show. For me trying to put meaning in Christmas seemed utterly hopeless. Once again armed with plenty of facts i confronted my grandmother. She fixed upon me one of her All knowing stares that seemed to penetrate even my next life. She relaxed surrendered with a gentle smile and began to speak a Vivian dear Christ is not a religion. The peo pie made him that. He is not one color. He is All colors. He did not. Really come to Tell you who in was. He already knows that. He came to Tel you who you arc and your True purpose for being Here. A  you possess an education. Your information is from a Book and is Only Good Here. He pos so secs knowledge of the spirit which is from the highest and is valid throughout All eternity. His teacher was the school of suffering poverty Prev ode and humiliation. His classroom was the streets and hypocritical temples throughout All tic major world. His tools were patience Tower Ance pity understanding forgiveness humility eternity and Charity Given freely in the highest of love. He is not a commercialized business that s Many a ignorance and greed. A now what do you really have How Many people have you offered shelter Comfort or even your place in line 1 Low Many people have you halfheartedly judged and. Condemned for being poor ignorant Tom edited lonely or just downright different How Many times have you Given thanks for your health Home family and friends when was the last time you ventured out and gave freely of yourself to feed the hungry shelter the homeless clothe the naked a without judgment malice or self righteousness Quot when you have dime even one of these things you will feel something growing inside of you. That is called the Light of your soul it will Feci Good and you w ill King for More. That longing my dear is w hat Christ a birthday is All about and someday it Wilt be a privilege for others to allow you to serve them in Honor of your own soul i helping others is the Only Way your soul will be fed. = a a a a. A a. A so Don t you Ever forget w hat ins Day is really All  Uhm hum i rest my Hooks. A a Vivian Gartly hindu Row is a tiny of Tarico a not living in kist Gor Many. A be our guest to plus Magazine Lias set aside space for guest columnists. If you have encountered anything amusing confusing frustrating or fascinating about life in Europe in the military or in general wed like to hear about it. This is not a place for gripes or letters to the editor a done to expect an official , just loads of response from your friends. A a a a. A a a a a so sum up your thoughts in 5<x words or less and Send them to be our guest to plus the stars and stripes Apo 09211, be sure to include a Lel Ephime number. Where you can be reached during the  what Type of Holiday gifts do you like to buy for the folks Back Home a Volt j Quot i i Beverly Tate military family member jiving in Frankfurt Germany love first of All. Then for my Mother a. Beautiful dress. A a. Spec. Hayes Murray Headquarters troop 11th army Cav regt Fulda Germany i like to get German cards i like the scenes t hey port Ray it gives an idea of what it is like Over Here. I like to get them clot he a l of w h e n i can afford it but the Economy a not letting me do that much lately. A a spec Steven Nolan a co 533rd military. Intelligence in Frankfurt Germany usually j get them something the y can to normally buy in the states i bought several hummels for my mom they re so expensive in the states. For my Stepfather i a usually buy something to do with fishing spec. Charlie Inman 5sth combat engr co bad Versfeld Germany nothing american since in a Oyer Here a Beer Mug for my father rugs to hang on the Wall clocks pee. Keith Malone 493rd Supply and service co Wurzburg Germany i let my wife do All the shopping. I done to like to Sec my Money spent. Compiled by. Slurs and stripes staff december 23. 1990 n sunday to plus a. Page 3