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In the spirit of Christmas, the ACLU sings

By Rev. Charles Moreland | December 23, 2007 |

The Music of this Holiday Season is uplifting a prepares emotionally and spiritually the celebration of Christmas and the New Year. Whatever the faith, music and signing is indispensable and enriches out lives whether it’s sacred or secular.Joining us in our musical jubilation are myriad organizations who also recognize the values espoused in the songs, cards, and happiness of the season. In December, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Washington office joined carolers in expressing the peace, joy and hope of the season as expressed through music.A conservative group dedicated to maintaining what they believe to be family values sent a Christmas ensemble of their singers to serenade ACLU workers at their offices — this could be a first for the ACLU. They are generally criticized rather than serenaded, greeted with placards of denunciation rather that wishes of peace and prosperity.So what happened as the two distinct and differently motivated groups confronted each other?With excitement, the ACLU staff responded with an expected nay. They closed their offices, put the phones on automatic, went outside and there joined in the singing of familiar Christmas carols with this evangelical chorus. But the enthusiasm of the ACLU continued by serving carolers with Christmas cookies and drinks from their own pockets. The holiday spirit in all our faiths centers on the value of sharing.An ordained Baptist on the staff delivered a brief by heart-warming message on family values.This beautiful scene of sharing, generosity and love, this singing together, was cut from Fox News, a sad counterpoint to the spirit of the holiday season.May the singing, fellowship and understanding, as evidenced by those who chose to meet each other half-way, continue through the New Year.

About Rev. Charles Moreland

Rev. Charles Moreland, retired, has lived in Clarksville for seven years and holds great pride in his adopted city and its people. His one objection in Tennessee is the Hall law of taxes on dividends and savings. Charles served in the U.S. Army Chaplaincy from 1966-1986, retiring to serve as a United Methodist pastor near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He serves on the Boards of Directors for the ARP, Roxy Theater and MCDP. Though retired, he is a regular speaker at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. His five grandchildren, ages two to thirteen years, live in Evansville, Indiana. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and served in Germany and Korea while on active duty.

Email: MLPmoreland@aol.com

Sections: Spirituality
Topics: ACLU, Christmas Carolers, Music

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