Shortly after the birth of Jesus Christ, ol’ King Herod threw a hissy fit. “Who is this one born King of the Jews?” Herod probably bellowed out in rage.

Herod was upset because earlier the title of “king of the Jews” was given to him by the Roman general, Marc Anthony.

Well, we all know what happened next and a very real war against Christ and Christmas has been raging ever since. In Hartford, Conn., a church’s — yes, a church’s — nativity scene was torn down during the night; schools nationwide cannot sing “Christ”-mas carols (hello ACLU), and in New Jersey an atheist group put up a billboard claiming that the nativity never even happened.

“Fabricated” war ? No, I do not think so.

These are not isolated cases. All you have to do is go see the website of the Alliance Defense Fund or the American Center for Law and Justice to see the well documented attacks — not just on Christmas but the very Judeo-Christian foundation of this nation. Yes, the evidence is there. I can write volumes on that alone. Furthermore, the real “bullies” out there are the ones who are vandalizing church nativity scenes or preventing a child from praying before his meal at school. Yes, that indeed did happen. It does not take much to find the facts — but you do have to shine the light of truth to pierce the darkness.

Long ago, a light was born in a little town called Bethlehem. Next week is Christmas. It is a time to reflect on ourselves as well as the miraculous event that happened that holy night. Why can’t we all just take a break from all the junk that is going on to pause and think on Jesus and why he was sent here?

I can guarantee you the world around us will be a better place if we do.

The truth of the impact of the Christmas story is undeniable and is still changing lives today. This is my true hope. Merry Christmas and may God bless us all ... everyone.

RAY CLARKE SR.

Elizabeth City