Program Spotlight – October

Keep Christ in Christmas

The “Keep Christ in Christmas” program is one of the most important initiatives of the Knights of Columbus, aimed at reminding the world of the true reason for the Christmas season—celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In a society that often emphasizes the material aspects of the holiday, the Knights of Columbus strive to place a renewed focus on the spiritual significance of Christmas, encouraging all people, especially Christians, to keep Christ at the center of their holiday celebrations.

The Importance of the Program

In today’s world, it can be easy to get caught up in the commercial side of Christmas—buying gifts, planning parties, and decorating with Santa Claus and reindeer. However, the Knights of Columbus’ Keep Christ in Christmas program serves as a powerful reminder of the core of our faith. The program encourages families, individuals, and communities to prioritize the birth of Jesus in their celebrations, fostering a deeper connection with their faith during this sacred time of year.

By participating in this program, Knights and their families engage in meaningful efforts to spread the message of Christ’s love, compassion, and sacrifice. It is not just about decorating our homes with nativity scenes but about creating awareness in the broader community, reinforcing the sacredness of the Christmas season.

The Children’s Poster Contest

One of the most popular and impactful aspects of the Keep Christ in Christmas program is the children’s poster contest. This initiative allows young people to express their understanding of Christmas through creativity and art. Open to children of all ages, the contest encourages them to design posters that convey the message of Christ’s birth, providing an outlet for them to reflect on what Christmas truly means to them.

Through their artwork, children can share their faith with others and help reinforce the idea that Christmas is about more than gifts and festivities—it’s about celebrating the birth of our Savior. The contest also serves as an opportunity for parents, educators, and religious instructors to engage children in discussions about their faith and the significance of Christ’s arrival.

Winners of the poster contest are often recognized at various levels—local, regional, and even national—giving children the chance to take pride in their work while further spreading the Keep Christ in Christmas message.

Council Car Magnets

A simple but effective way to share the message of the Keep Christ in Christmas program is through the distribution of car magnets. These magnets, often designed with imagery of the Nativity or Christian messages, act as mobile reminders to keep Christ at the center of Christmas celebrations.

Council members often distribute these magnets to parishioners and community members, making them widely visible throughout towns and cities during the holiday season. This small gesture can spark conversations and serve as a constant reminder to all who see them that the heart of Christmas is Christ. Whether placed on a car or a refrigerator, these magnets keep the focus on the sacred aspects of the season.

Large Public Signage

Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of the program is the use of large public signage to proclaim the message of Christ during the Christmas season. Councils across the country erect banners, billboards, and signs in highly visible areas to remind passersby to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. These large displays often feature messages such as “Keep Christ in Christmas” or “Christ is the Reason for the Season.”

These signs can have a profound impact on the community, especially when placed in prominent locations. They serve as a gentle reminder to all who see them that Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and they often inspire reflection and gratitude in those who encounter them. For many councils, organizing and setting up these public signs has become an annual tradition, further cementing the Knights of Columbus’ commitment to keeping Christ at the heart of the holiday season.

Get Involved with the Keep Christ in Christmas Program

The Keep Christ in Christmas program is a powerful initiative that brings communities together to celebrate the true meaning of the holiday season. It offers a variety of ways to get involved, whether through participating in the children’s poster contest, distributing car magnets, or organizing large public signage.

If you are interested in being a part of this inspiring program, we encourage you to reach out to our council’s chairman, Benny Marasa, for more information. Together, we can ensure that the message of Christ’s birth remains at the forefront of the Christmas season.