[DouglasKC]

One could say the same type of things about Christmas. The decorated tree and the yule log were both ancient Druid customs. Then there was this thing about shepherds abiding in their fields which probably meant Jesus Christ was born in the early spring, or later.

Yup.

But I prefer to contemplate the true meaning of the day just as I do with Easter. Maybe I'll even make an exception and darken the doorway of a church, despite my very mixed feelings about organized religion.

Watch the video...

[Vigilanteman]

I thought about that, too!

As I said, I have mixed feelings on organized religion.

I am not anti-organized religion by any means. Organized religions accomplish a great deal of good which would not get done otherwise. Catholic Charities, the Mormon Church's network of family history centers, our local Protestant Mega-church which puts on an awesome Easter program, are just three examples which come to mind.

OTOH, too many of them also allow themselves to be transformed into feel good clubs of political correctness or engage in petty mudslinging against other denominations for minor doctrinal differences. I don't need to name specific examples.

Most people need the reinforcement offered by fellow believers and, face it, there are a lot of good things which an organized group can accomplish which an individual cannot.