How Christmas can impact the culture

How Christmas can impact the culture

Source: Phil Cooke - ASSIST News Service

Today, we often worry that the Christmas spirit has become routine. In fact, many communities across the country have settled for mere "holiday" celebrations, and focused on the secular side of the season. It seems that our culture is rapidly becoming illiterate about the real purpose of the holiday.

One of the reasons is the media, and it's constant focus on the commercial side of the holiday. In fact, it doesn't take much to see that the media's influence in our lives is pervasive, and today, education, business, religion, leisure, science, even family life, are all measured against that influence.

So this Christmas, how do we effectively express our faith in a media-dominated culture? How do we tell our story alongside the maddening swirl of media "clutter" - TV, radio, computer, digital music player, Internet, mobile phone, and other technologies competing for our attention? How do we get the message of the church heard through the massive and growing wave of media static out there?

In my recent book: "Branding Faith: Why Some Churches and Non-Profits Impact the Culture and Others Don't”, I share the keys to cutting through the overwhelming media clutter, and sharing your faith through casual conversations, the pulpit, and even through the media itself. Essentially, it's about getting your message heard. It's about telling your story, and making that story connect with your audience.

Although the true reason for Christmas has taken a beating, it's far from gone, and this year, we have the opportunity once again to remind the culture what Christmas is all about. Here are some tips:

1. Don't be afraid to express your faith in the community or public square. Because of recent court rulings regarding church and state, too many Christians shy away from anything remotely religious at Christmastime - especially in public. But your personal faith is something you have the right to express, and when you decorate your yard, go carolling, or send out cards, use those times as an opportunity to show people the real story of the season. If you have questions about staging a major event on public property, ask a Christian attorney for advice, or contact the American Centre for Law and Justice (www.aclj.org) for information.

2. Be gracious about your witness. Too many Christians become bullies when it comes to expressing their faith. Stop arguing with people, and begin developing a relationship of compassion and trust. Growing up in the 50's and 60's in the South, I didn't know anyone of another faith. But today I don't have to go far to meet people with a multitude of different religious beliefs. If I'm going to be an effective witness in today's world, I have to begin with a gracious relationship and act out of genuine love.

3. Be confident but courteous at your office or school about expressing your faith. The fine legal line about expressions of religious belief at our workplace and at public schools is often difficult to navigate, but in many cases, people who crossed the line, did it without asking for advice or counsel. Talk to the school principal or choir director and ask their policy on singing Christmas carols at the school play. Or ask your boss if you can set a nativity scene or other religious object on your desk. I've discovered that when we approach people in a spirit of love, God often works in those situations for our good. And even if your request is rejected, how you handle that rejection can sometimes be a greater witness than what you hoped to accomplish in the first place.

4. Finally, it's not Santa's fault. Too many Christians blame Santa for distracting people from the story of the incarnation. Obviously Santa Claus isn't the reason for the season, but don't rob your children from the joy of giving and experiencing the wonder and excitement of the big guy in the red suit. Plus, giving gifts is a fantastic common ground to begin a discussion with a non-Christian about God's ultimate gift. Let's lighten up and enjoy the North Pole, the reindeer, and the anticipation of the sound of hooves on the roof at midnight. But never forget to teach your children and grandchildren the story of how God gave us the greatest gift of all.