Things change over time. Even in the early days of Christianity, not many followed the teachings of the Christ. When the Christian Bible was finally put together (350 years after Christ), still too many followed the old Hebrew ways instead of the way the Christ preached.
He didn't care if you were Jew, Samarian, Roman, or Greek. He preached love for all, particularly those who were less fortunate than ourselves. He didn't preach against other religions or even against those who had no religion. He preached against those who wouldn't love others as they loved themselves. Finally, He didn't preach that this should be done on one day of the year, rather it should be done all the time.
A great lesson in your story, Bill. Thank you and a very Merry Christmas to you and yours.