Christmas spirit: It's nice to see a community with the focus on right syllable.

At this time of year, how many people forget just what Christmas is supposed to be all about.

And who could blame them -- one trip to the mall or to the local department store and they are immersed in the Christmas spending push.

But last night, at The Embers concert, the numbers that elicited the most audience response were not the modern dance versions of the Christmas carols. It was not even the spirited 1950s rendition of "Winter Wonderland."

What unified the audience into one voice -- and a rather nice one at that -- was the sing-along for "Silent Night."

We all know the tune -- it is the carol about one silent night in December when a star led three wise men to a baby's manger and the world witnessed the birth of a saviour.

And that, in a sentence, is what most people forget, but what Wayne County and other surrounding eastern North Carolina communities always remember.

We do it right here -- from wishing each other "Merry Christmas" to learning about how other cultures worship and remember the day. In our world, Christmas is really about peace, love and caring.

This county understands that the emphasis on the holiday should be on the first part of the word -- not on the commercial manifestations that go along with it. We love Santa, but we make sure we remember why he comes on this night in the first place.

So, thanks to all who shared The Embers concert with us last night -- and Merry Christmas.

Published in Editorials on December 21, 2010 1:05 PM