Dakota Beacon

Among the best known symbols of Christmas are the bells – church bells chiming, sleigh bells jingling, and the ringing of the Salvation Army’s bells.  The Salvation Army kettles themselves are another beloved symbol  of Christmas in America.  In larger cities we sometimes enjoy the treat of the Salvation Army band playing carols.  The bell-ringers and bands are a part of the fabric of our observance of the season; in fact they are one of the best examples of how we should observe Christmas – by helping others;  it is a cheerful reminder  to us of the real meaning of the holiday season to anchor us while we’re out shopping.  Indeed, a Christmas season absent the sound of the bells would be strange and a bid sad.  Selwyn Duke wrote a piece about the silencing of these bells in many places.  Why do we have to put up with rule by the most restrictive and petty among us? It is always an option for them to become hermits and go where they don’t hear other people.

The recent story about the homeowners in the exclusive neighborhood of Arlington, TX, who refused to permit the Salvation Army to set up a donation kettle across the street from their elegant Christmas light display just about says it all.  What is it these people are celebrating?  “Light Day”?  Have we really come this far? 

I remember the invaluable assistance rendered to the people of Grand Forks when we were nearly obliterated by the flood of 1997.  Where would we have been without these people?  Where, indeed, would the current sufferers of Hurricane Sandy be?  And I would say this to the fine and fancy people of the Arlington neighborhood:  The time may come and sooner than you think, when you might become obliged to the Salvation Army yourselves.  All the years I dropped change into the kettles, I never thought it would be me.  Next time it could be everyone in Arlington, Texas.   I am sure that when that happens, the Salvation Army will open its heart and its wallet and give to you from the resources of people who found their kettles in spite of you.  And while you are putting up your lovely Christmas lights, think what the subject of this celebration would think of you.  If I lived in Arlington, I would go a mile out of my way to avoid that light show.  The event and the arrogant and shallow people who seem to be in charge of it have left a bitter taste.

For the rest of us, maybe we will enjoy all the more the opportunity to give to the Salvation Army.  Their “CEO’s” might not be making enough to light up their homes to display to the rest of us but what they receive they put to good use in our communities.   And let the rest of us enjoy the cheerful music of their bells . . . and support their cause.