With supposedly the tallest Christ monument soaring 118 feet in Swiebodzin, Poland, and, followers in Rio disputing measurements, the Christmas season continues traditionally for twelve days.
Father Sylwester Zawadzki, 79, is the brainchild of the statue, according to local press, and the Wall Street Journal.
Critics judge that the million-dollar price tag could have been put to better use than the object of veneration for believers.
The town's residents of 22,000 apparently appreciate the tallest Jesus. Other grand plans include a pond and font near the cross for pilgrims, along with accomodations for long-distance guests.
Donations built the statue that competes with the famous Jesus statue, Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janiero.
Area Catholics think that the statues in either place are worth the money in a culture that could "use a little Christmas," to borrow from a popular song on radio these days of the Christmas season.
The fraternal Catholic men's service organization, the Knight of Columbus, for example, make available a manger scene that has magnet on the back side to post on metal, or, a refrigerator at home, for example, one area leader chimed in on the matter. "Keep Christ in Christmas" is noted below the holy family scene.
Whatever the opinion of a diverse population, others claim, there's room for Christ.
The current display of the Rembrandt's faces of Jesus at the Detroit Institute of Art, for example, is another illustration of the devotion people have to Jesus.
Statues and monuments seem to be a way for people to preserve their religious beliefs and values.
Those objecting may choose concrete ways to build schools, or, give to the needy.
The current dispute in Warren, a largely Polish community, the manger in the Warren City Hall continues to be protested by atheists. They insist that their signage should go next to the holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Warren Mayor Jim Fouts objects, stating that would cause disruption as he keeps the peace in his Catholic city, among the largest in Michigan.
At the strike of midnight on December 25th, all songs and hymns of Christmas cheer will seize and give way to media's songs of the culture once more.
Conversations are created and stirred with all the protestation on these matters.
Faith matters.
America's immigration of Poles, among others, proves that this land is a diverse one that has, and continues to make room for all peoples, especially those who want a taste of freedom beyond the oppression they flee.
Everyone matters. You included. Those theological principles ring out loud and clear.
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