When I first heard of the controversy surrounding the name of the December concert, I was flabbergasted at the attention it was drawing. Then I began wondering if there was some way to keep this controversy going so that people would start attending board of education meetings and learn about issues that might be more important than the name of a concert.

In reflecting on this issue, however, I came to the unfortunate conclusion that the fighting has little to do with Christmas. If community members were truly distressed about the abandoning of tradition, they would have complained years ago when the song selections in the concert began to represent the diversity of our community. For years, the December concerts have presented non-religious Christmas and Chanukah songs and winter songs. The idea of changing the name was merely suggested because "Christmas Concert" no longer accurately describes what the concert is. What are we really trying to communicate by doggedly refusing to change the name to reflect reality?

Let's be honest and admit that the real issue has little to do with a name change. I'd like to ask each of my neighbors to reflect on what is happening here. I'd particularly like to ask those of my Christian neighbors who are so strenuously opposed to the name change to think about their motives. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?," or better yet, "What would Jesus say?" I think he'd say, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's." In other words, let the public school provide public education for all. And let each one of us conduct ourselves with the mind and heart of God, and show love and compassion towards all.

It is reassuring to learn that there are people who are distressed about the taboo that seems to exist regarding religious expression. In a country that boasts of religious freedom, we should feel free to express our beliefs. Let's just make sure that in doing so, we are not marginalizing those who have a right not to share in our beliefs.

Let's use this controversy in a constructive way. For those of us who are Christians, let's think about how we can express our beliefs in a positive manner, and how we can, in our homes and community, retain the true meaning of Christmas while sincerely striving for peace on earth and good will towards all. At Christmas time, let's display religious decorations, attend religious services, decrease spending on gifts, and increase our charitable works. Let's invite someone to Christmas dinner who would otherwise be alone. Let's put aside our fears and extend a hand of friendship and welcome to our neighbors, regardless of their religious and/or ethnic background. And if our conscience truly tells us that we must disagree, let's do so with respect, patience and kindness.

Erica Marquardt