After another 'Snopelika Job' some Lee County Faithful still pray for Epiphany

Another ‘snow job’ by pro-government Lee County media touting how wonderful ACCA, BCA, et al type spending to promote more (non-market driven) growth and tourism is typical holiday news reporting. Some recalled the ‘OPS they did it again’ column

[https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2018/11/01/opinion/giggin-for-dollars-in-opelika-as-forecasted-ops-they-did-it-again/1499.html] on Alabama’s first Gig City. The “How do corrupt politburo members make $14milion in internet revenue?” question followed with, “By spending $60million!” punch-line seems applicable to Alabama’s now tallest Christmas tree. Reportedly in excess of $1/3 million for what some dubbed ‘The Nimrod Tree’ - one may question if it shall fetch $80,000 of additional revenue on par with Gig City returns of 23 cents on the wasted dollar. Undoubtedly the Fuller politburo can conjure some soviet economist to justify this expense over dealing with repairing sewage, damaged buildings and infrastructure many Opelika businesspeople and citizens have requested these past years.

Noticeably absent was any reporting on those with small government conservative perspective more in touch with the Spirit of the Christmas Season. Yet another Snopelika outcome, tone deaf to Gospel based Carols and deeds which venerate God sending a Saviour when Caesar decreed a census for more tyranny and taxation. Wisdom and observation may be found in some Opelika Bulletin Board FB posts:

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1112978924162891&set=a.518909600236496. Also absent was reporting [John Sharp, AL.com last updated 12-19-24] the top three vote on

Alabama’s best Christmas decorations. The town of Millry won with 43% and Ft, Payne a very close second at 42%. Last at 15% was Opelika’s tallest Xmas tree in Alabama. Some Lee Countians interviewed said they voted for after the ‘propaganda machine’ pressed voting Snopelika. Others, who fear their name being used, hoped this would get more faithful to the ballot box and not reelect the ‘Nimrods’ who erected this arrogantly tall tree in their on righteous town. Auburn/Opelika spending to evoke ‘Tower of Babble’ analogies is nothing new these past decades… dubbed the ‘Sodom and Gomorrah of East Alabama’ by some. A decree to further raise taxes in one city is quickly followed by a similar increase in the other to avoid competition and allow more Gig City type political theft. OPS [Opelika Power Service] customers are still paying for this Mayor Fuller, et al debacle.

Champions of big government politics are palpable with Opelika Mayor Fuller not seeking reelection. Received my first Xmas card from the candidate heralded as Fuller’s replacement, yet another Felon Hubbard defender in the ‘big mule’ tradition… or ‘Birmingham Downtowner’ spirit to borrow Sen. Rice nomenclature. A card bereft of anything evoking God or reference to the Spirit of Season found in Scripture; indeed revealing, but nothing new. Historic observations of European national socialists include redefinition of Christmas, oft as a neo-pagan celebration.

Rather than focus on the Holiday’s (dare I type Holy Day?) origin and etymology, hegemonic socialist Xmas mutations advanced the ‘progressive’ agenda of their command economy, often to redistribute wealth to their cronies who couldn’t compete or didn’t like favour shown to righteous Christians who earned citizens’ loyalty and adoration.

Cherished Christian traditions were diminished to focus on winter solstice rituals venerated long before the arrival of Christianity. I.e., candles on a tree recalled pagan desires for the “return of light” after the shortest day of the year, those who understand the book of Genesis know there was Light before the Sun. Snopelikaians may believe their ‘Nimrod Tree’ will increase their pecuniary welfare and may redistribute greater short run wealth upon political parasites… If history is any guide, its fool’s wager in the long run - esp. to those who understand the wages of sin.

Among the most compelling quotes from Lee County “I’d support a Nativity Scene erected and ‘snopelika’ proved willing to pay fines and lawsuits for something meaningful rather than boasting the tallest Pagan tree. Seems we waste a lot on litigation from wrongful firings, civil right abuses, lies about zoning…”“Wish Lee County devoted that third of a million dollars toward fixing our sewage/drainage and road systems, remove miscreants appointed to our hospital and school boards where I’d reconsider volunteering and donating to them again… donating my blood, treasure and time to a gaudy tree isn’t me.”

“Forgive poorly educated politicians ignorant of Scripture and alien to God’s Spirit we’re supposed to celebrate - the birth of Jesus into this world. After witnessing the shameless taking of ARPA funds to help small businesses and churches closed by Covid responses redistributed to county employees, construct county highway department buildings, etc. instead of properly using county tax dollars for these purposes… well, this embarrassing tree once again mirrors the spirit of most elected in Lee County.”

“Snopelika’s 15% at third and last place reminded me of voters rejecting incumbent Lee County Commissioner Long, considered the most corrupt commissioner last election. Long hated input from citizens and smugly blocked their comment from website broadcast and recording in minutes… I pray other corrupt politicians in Lee County pay attention.”

Reporting on Opelika faithful entering 2025 in prayer for Epiphany isn’t isolated, some churches rededicated their congregations accordingly. A new probate Judge and one uncorrupted Lee County Commissioner just elected in November suggest things may improve with these two Godly replacements. For those unfamiliar with the Christian heritage I was raised in, here are some excerpts from a 2021 Christmas column [https://www.alabamagazette.com/story/2021/12/01/opinion/christ-is-born-glorify-him/2272.html] explaining many orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day circa January 7 to remember Jesus Christ's birth described in the Christian Bible. This date uses the Julian calendar which pre-dates the Gregorian calendar, more commonly applied/used today. Santa (along with the Easter Bunny) was something morphed into my grandparents ‘New World’ education. The ‘Santa Claus’ of my grandparents’ understanding began with Nicholas, born during the third century in the village of Patara in Asia Minor, then part of Greece on the southern coast of now Turkish territory. Wealthy parents raised Nicholas a devout Christian; they died in an epidemic while he was young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used all his inheritance to aid and comfort needy, sick, and suffering. This great dedication to serve God shepherded Nicholas to coronation as Bishop of Myra at a very young age where he became known for generosity to those in need, his joyful love of children, and genuine concern for sailors.

Under Roman Emperor Diocletian (a ruthless persecutor of Christians) Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, exiled and imprisoned. Prisons were full of bishops, priests, and deacons hated by despotic Romans as Christians received more favour and respect as ones truly “Philoptochos” -i.e., “Friends of the Poor.” After his release (surviving imprisonment) Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325; died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and buried in his cathedral church. Anniversaries of his death became a celebration day in remembrance (St. Nicholas Day) on December 6th; December 19 on the Julian calendar. Continuous veneration of any person who died almost 1700 years ago in the Spirit of Christ is noteworthy. Understandable why ‘progressive’ national socialists championing more command and control government would want St. Nicholas’ story modified.

One of the most cited stories includes a poor father of three daughters. A young woman’s father was compelled to provide prospective husbands something of value - a ‘preeka’ – i.e., a

dowry. Larger dowries supposedly increased chances a daughter would find a ‘good’ husband. This economist would like to know proxies for ‘good’ with empirical verification of this assertion. In short, without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man’s daughters, without dowries, were destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home… providing the desperately wanted dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes put by the fireplace to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. The story is also told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls (in keeping with the Holy Trinity) sometimes given (represented as oranges) are among symbols for St. Nicholas, remembering him as a gift-giver.

How does one reconcile January 7th with this article’s title? Epiphany is one of the most sacred orthodox Christian celebrations, rich in many Christ-based traditions held onto these past millennia. Epiphany (also called Theofania or Fota) is celebrated January 6 and is a day of joy and brightness where Christians venerate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist. Just as “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) evokes the reply of “Alithos Anesti” (Indeed He is Risen) at orthodox Easter/Pascha; our remembrance of the Nativity of Jesus/Christmas one proclaims, “Christ is Born” which evokes the reply “Glorify Him!”

This Epiphany over snopelika appears what some Lee County Faithful ‘long’ for. Not only is it important for us to Glorify Him, but realize how many times we’re called upon each day to do so righteously. All who know the power of Jesus Christ’s teachings and take Him into their hearts this blessed season must overcome the distraction of consumerism, Gig Cities, Tall Pagan Trees and destruction by the politburo who’ve made government their god. The Holy Spirit in Jesus Chrrist, Son of the true God is indeed greater than the spirit of evil in the sons of Nimrod, Caesar(s) et al because it is His name which remains above all nations.

If you truly believe and adhere to His teachings, it destroys the power of death and darkness. Without this fear Rome’s (and the many leviathans to follow) ability to advance their despotic ends is thwarted. Jesus showed us the way; it is up to us to have the courage, faith and wisdom to follow. If we do not stand well against evil and corruption in our everyday lives, we’re failing Him and the righteous efforts many (like John the Baptist, Saint Nicholas, et al) suffered so mankind may not be compelled to endure the agony of Roman despotism again. Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God. You can be God’s servant OR a servant to Rome; it is impossible to serve both. The choice is yours …

So in closing cherished Alabama Gazette readers: CHRIST IS BORN!

THE VIEWS OF SUBMITTED EDITORIALS MAY NOT BE THE EXPRESS VIEWS OF THE ALABAMA GAZETTE.