Keeping Christ in Christmas

Every year, the Knights of Columbus roll out their annual poster campaign commonly known as “Keep Christ in Christmas”. The kids at parish schools love to dive into their inner creativity to convey the message. Some kids would end up advancing level after level to winning a prize from the Supreme and State Councils.

Yet, we continue to be bombarded with the political correctness nonsense as Christmas and its true meaning is being downgrade for the sake of tolerance.

The good news is that there are five ways to keep Christ in Christmas, and it doesn’t just have to be poster contests.

Bear in mind as the last liturgical year was winding down, we were confronted with the passage pertaining to the final judgment. It is applicable in a big way as we prepare for the coming of Christ.

Get to Mass

A bit redundant, right? Well, let’s break down Christmas. Fulton Sheen reminds us about true meaning of Christmas with the first six letters. He said, “We cannot have the word Christmas without Christ: so, neither can we be merry on the inside without him.”

Christmas does mean Christ’s Mass. Take that, Starbucks.

Visit someone who is ill or homebound

Check the list twice, scroll through social media newsfeed of friends, and remember to heed the virtual cry of that person requesting a visit from someone. We may never know how long that person has left on earth as there can be a lot of funerals happening during the Christmas preparation and season.

A visit to a loved one or family member will make a big difference. 

Read the Nativity Story

Luke’s gospel lays out beautifully the birth of Christ. Even the beloved scene from Charlie Brown’s Christmas was nearly cut from the final production, yet it has stood the test of time.

Give a card to clergy or missionary

Priests are going to be super busy for the rest of the year. Let’s not forget to send them a card or extra money that will benefit the parish. One favorite thing I do every year is have a bag full of coins for my parish and send cards to the priests at my parish along with a gift. I also keep the clergy in mind that have meant a lot to me as I grew in my spiritual journey.

As for missionaries for organizations like FOCUS, Culture Project, etc many are tired and stretched thin since the beginning of the academic year. They’re stressed and anxious in the final days of the year that they too will flash humanity as Christmas approaches.

Remember the Needy

Churches recently rolled out Advent giving trees. Is there one at your parish? Time is of the essence as many are cutting it off by the 3rd Sunday of Advent. Support the cause as it will help the homeless and those less fortunate in the community.

Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40).”

The five above will help us keep Christ in Christmas by thinking of others. We may have more ways, yet it is a start.

Remember Keep Christ in Christmas