It's the most wonderful time of the year.

No, this is not the lead-in to a sing along of popular Christmas-related songs. Instead, I thought it appropriate to call attention to two items related to the celebration of Christmas.

First, noted in the London Daily News is a Muslim who proclaims that celebrating Christmas is a sure way for Muslims to miss Paradise and go to hell. The article can be found at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1093414/Christmas-pathway-hell-Muslim-lawyers-extraordinary-rant-evil-celebration.html?ITO=1490.

Among his statements made in a broadcast sermon is this quotation: 'Many (Muslims) take part in the festival celebrations by having Christmas turkey dinners. Decorating the house, purchasing Christmas trees or having Christmas turkey meals are completely prohibited by Allah. Many still practise this corrupt celebration as a remembrance of the birth of Jesus. How can a Muslim possibly approve or participate in such a practice that bases itself on the notion Allah has an offspring? The very concept of Christmas contradicts and conflicts with the foundation of Islam. Every Muslim has a responsibility to protect his family from the misguidance of Christmas, because its observance will lead to hellfire. Protect your Paradise from being taken away - protect yourself and your family from Christmas.'

The second item returns to America where the Kansas minister, Fred Phelps, and the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka warn of the dangers of Santa Claus. From an article in the Seattle Times, which can be viewed at: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008493779_church11.html, comes this revelation: A Kansas-based church that has blamed deaths in Iraq on U.S. tolerance of homosexuality has asked Gov. Christine Gregoire's office to approve a "Santa Claus will take you to hell" message to display among other religious statements in the Capitol's third-floor hallway. ... The first part of Westboro's proposed message, according to Spokesman-Review reporter Rich Roesler: "You'd better watch out, get ready to cry, You'd better go hide, I'm telling you why 'cuz Santa Claus will take you to hell. He is your favorite idol, you worship at his feet, but when you stand before your God He won't help you take the heat. So get this fact straight: you're feeling God's hate, Santa's to blame for the economy's fate, Santa Claus will take you to hell."

I don't think I could add anything to either of these.