Christmas 2004 seemed particularly Christ-less to us, a group of lay Christian friends. While talking over the idea that somebody should do something to put Christ back into Christmas, we could think of nothing stopping us from doing that something ourselves. So we began developing a program to improve how Christmas is treated by Christians and non-Christians alike. Emboldened by the Holy Spirit, early on our idea of "just doing something" changed to more of a "let's try to fix everything." To accomplish that goal, we developed the CHRIST Program described on this web site. Recognizing that other holydays are also in jeopardy, we have added material for the Easter Season and we are developing material for the Great Commission Season. Read on and see how, with a little assistance from other Christians like you, we will succeed. Our purpose is to restore Jesus Christ as the centerpiece of all Christian holydays by reinstating His Gospel message of salvation. Christians have allowed secular groups to change the meaning and purpose of our Christian holydays into very materialistic holidays, driven by the private sector. There has also been a growing anti-Christian contingent that is seeking to hide Christ's Gospel message by attacking Christian holydays. As Christians we continually see problems with how the secular world keeps trampling on our Christian holydays, in frustration we think things like "I am but a single Christian, what can I possibly do to change things?" The CHRIST Program is a simple tool that provides all Christians with a structure through which every one of us can effect change.

The program focuses on helping each Christian to spread the Gospel and do their part to restore Christ as the centerpiece of all Christian holydays. The program isn't rigid; rather every Christian develops their own personal version of it, and carries it with them in their heart. These personal versions will in total become the details of the entire program — a unique perspective. As Christians unite in applying CHRIST, the power of our numbers will restore the preeminence of Jesus Christ's Gospel message in all Christian holyday celebrations.

Every Christian holyday is a celebration of a different historical event in Church history, and emphasizes a different aspect of our Christian faith. Since our holydays have ancient origins, how we celebrate them has changed over time. Unfortunately, inappropriate changes are increasingly being pushed onto our holydays by non-Christian and anti-Christian groups seeking to profit from us and completely remove Christ and his Gospel message of salvation. These groups have been the most successful at undermining Christmas and Easter, the two principal Christian holydays. Thanksgiving appears to be their next target in the U.S.A. They would like to see all Christian holydays become generic social holidays where all references to God are eliminated, and until now they have been succeeding. Fellow Christian men and women, it is time for us to take back our holydays. That is what the CHRIST Program is all about. As Jesus' prominence increases, He and the Gospel will displace inappropriate secular substitutions and add-ons. In his inaugural speech, President John F. Kennedy said "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." In like manner, the CHRIST Program points out that it is time that we Christians not only ask what God can do for us, but begin asking God what we can do for Him and His Church. This is a lot easier than you might think, because the Holy Spirit dwells in each of us and is eager to respond.

Jesus is the link among all the holydays and the central reason for every celebration in the Church. Christ's Gospel of salvation is living water that gives Christians eternal life. A stream flowing down a mountain provides life to all the plants and animals its waters sustain. If that stream is dammed up, no life sustaining water will reach the plants and animals down stream and they will die. When secular forces relentlessly suppress the Gospel message in our Christian holydays, that suppression works on Christianity just like the dam on the stream. The business sector creates some of this suppression out of carelessness, and anti-religion groups do it purposefully. Christ and His Gospel of salvation cannot easily coexist with oppressive anti-God messages, the substitution of secular for Christian meanings, and the exhaustive marketing of inappropriate worldly things for Christian holydays. The question becomes: How can we easily point these issues out to the secular world and illuminate the Gospel at the same time? It's really quite easy; we begin a faith walk with Jesus. Participating in catechism classes, attending Bible studies, and taking part in church services all prepare us to be Christians. We gain "head knowledge" through these activities. The Biblical teachings cumulatively define and show us the path that leads to Heaven, and they illuminate for us the practices that an inspired Christian will follow. As David put it: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105). It is then up to us as individuals to do something with what we have learned and begin moving down that path with Jesus, which is variously called: Our mission as we walk the walk is to go into the world and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and bring His light to a world lost in darkness. In the CHRIST Program this mission is synonymous with the phrase "imparting salvation's testament."

As you walk with Jesus, some Christians and non-Christians may wonder why you act the way you do. It is typically easier to focus on material, secular things instead of on eternal matters. Faith walks are self directed, and only you can define your path by interacting with the Holy Spirit. Churches and this program can help add insight; but like all your important faith decisions, God works directly with and through you as you put your faith in action. An ancient Chinese proverb states: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step." So too does every Christian's faith walk begin with the first step.

Some people are hesitant to truly begin their faith walk, because they are afraid of the unknown, don't know how they will walk it, or are afraid that God expects too much. No one should ever be afraid to begin their faith walk. God doesn't expect everyone to immediately become a powerful preacher or a missionary in a foreign land. Everyone's faith walk begins like a baby's' physical development:  first a baby learns to sit up, then crawl, then awkwardly walk holding on, then walk without holding on, then walk faster, then run awkwardly, then run gracefully. As soon as a child completes another milestone, they always have fun and smile — just like a Christian on their faith walk.

Anyone can begin their faith walk and acknowledge Jesus as their savior in several ways. As we become more visible as Christians we should strive to fulfill the Great Commission. At the very end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus says: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20). As you progress on your faith walk, it becomes easier to fulfill the Great Commission and spread the Gospel message. Every person you encounter will know you are a Christian by your visibility, peace of mind, countenance, self esteem, and kindness — such as defined by the hymn They'll Know We are Christians by Our Love. It becomes easier and easier to tell others about our Savior. Thus, Christians can individually and collectively impart salvation's testament. If you adopt the CHRIST Program, then a step now and then in your faith walk could focus on restoring Jesus Christ as the center of all Christian holydays.

Participating in the CHRIST Program is voluntary and is a small part of a Christian's larger faith walk. Any Christian who believes it is time to restore Jesus Christ to his rightful place at the center of our holydays should prayerfully consider participating in this program. Click on one of the links at the top left of this page for more details on how to participate during a particular season.

In the United States of America, the CHRIST Program defines the Christmas Season as the period beginning on Thanksgiving Day and running through Epiphany. Christians living in other countries should define the time period covered by the Christmas Season to be consistent with their local traditions. From mid-November to Thanksgiving, Christians, and other people of conscience, are asked to become familiar with the CHRIST Program and pray about its potential use in their lives. There are things that individual Christians and congregations can do to keep themselves and others focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

The CHRIST Program is unique in that the program's details are not in the program itself. Every Christian using the program creates their own set of guidelines that they will follow, and collectively those guidelines become the programs details. So the first thing everyone needs to do is to define for their self what is wrong with Christmas and what changes should be made to fix it. You can easily do some of this by making simple decision tables in which you organize all faith items of importance to you and set priorities. Such tables are easy to make, and the Holy Spirit will help. On the left you place things that are disrespectful to your faith and on the right things that are respectful of your faith. There will always be some variation in such tables between individuals, congregations, and denominations; but such variation is to be expected. You can make tables with two, three, or five columns. The more the columns you have the more discernment that is possible. As an example, something as basic as locally available Christmas cards can be put into in each of these three table styles:

Table 1 — A Two Column Example

Disrespectful	Respectful
Shop until you drop	Nativity
Lewd messages	St. Nicholas
Happy Holidays	Anything Biblical
Magic animals	Angels
Santa Claus	Love & Peace

Table 2 — A Three Column Example

Disrespectful	Neutral	Respectful
Shop until you drop	Love & Peace	Nativity
Lewd messages	Santa Claus	St. Nicholas
Happy Holidays		Anything Biblical
Magic animals		Angels

Table 3 — A Five Column Example

-2	-1	0	+1	+2
Disrespectful		Neutral		Respectful
Shop until you drop	Happy Holidays	Love & Peace	Anything Biblical	Nativity
Lewd messages	Magic animals	Santa Claus	St. Nicholas	Angels

Decide how many columns you will have in your tables. You can put anything into your tables that is important to your faith. We recommend that you do not identify specific items, but rather types. Thus, if you made a table for children's electronic games and were defining inappropriate items you might use satanic, horror, or supernatural and not specify the "Zombies Revenge in Hell" game. As you create such tables you are working with the Holy Spirit to help clarify and add perspective to your own faith. You will then be carrying the basics of your tables in your heart everywhere you go and into everything you do. Thus, you gain insight into whose you are, who you are trying to become, and become far more discerning with respect to secular things. If entire congregations or denominations compile such tables, it is entirely appropriate to post them on your web sites for both your members and the secular world to see.

The CHRIST Program's power in the secular world comes from the "golden rule of retailing" which is "The customer is always right." As you begin walking your walk you will begin walking toward those things that you find compatible with your faith and walking away from those things that are offensive to your faith. Thereby, your faith walk will begin impacting which stores you go into, the kinds of items you purchase, the movies you watch, the books you read, the music you listen to, the TV programs you watch, etc. Especially during the Christmas Season, pray and reflect on what is important to you as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

Christians are encouraged to become visible during the Christmas season and to speak up when they encounter things that are disrespectful of Christmas. By speaking up you can tell retailers, politicians, community leaders, friends, and family members what is important to you, and when many Christians all speak up we will effect change. The true challenge is to "walk the walk" and set a positive example for your family, friends, children, and other Christians. Of course, each person must use their own judgment to decide when to speak up and what to say, so pray for both discernment and courage. Whenever you speak up, try to talk to the other people kindly from the point of view of your faith walk. In doing so you are emphasizing that you are only doing what God expects of you, and that you do not have any ill feelings toward them.

We encourage you to think about your gift giving habits. Most Christians and many non-Christians exchange gifts at Christmas. The secular world has greatly penetrated our Christmas celebration because of this gift giving tradition. For many (if not most) companies it is the profits in their annual report and not their impact on Christianity that concerns them. The Magi (Three Wise Men) who gave gifts to the baby Jesus symbolize the reverence that should be employed by all of us during gift selection and giving. Of course we should not expect to give or receive gold and other expensive items. The most suitable gifts are those that remind both the giver and the receiver of God's gift to us. Also, those gifts should be from the pro-Gospel or neutral portions of your own decision tables.

Contrary to all the marketing hype thrust at us, inexpensive gifts are often appreciated the most. Gifts hand made with a loving heart may impact the recipient more than an expensive mass produced item. If you have any doubts about the appropriateness of a requested gift, put off buying it until after the Christmas Season. Many Christians believe that expensive gifts are best reserved for personal occasions such as a birthday, confirmation, graduation, or anniversary celebrations. Larger Christmas gifts are more appropriately directed toward spreading the good news of the Gospel and helping the less fortunate. Gifts do not have to cost any money; for example, you could give generously of your time. Charitable gifts made in someone else's name are seldom given, but are very appropriate. The Bible tells us: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." (Colossians 3:1-2).

Moms and dads should keep in mind that good parenting is a job that is to be taken seriously. Even though the secular world bombards children with ads for inappropriate Christmas gifts creating desire in them, parents need to be selective in their purchases. Put Jesus Christ at the center of your Christmas celebration and that of your children.

There is a high probability that when small children hear about this program that they might think or deliberately be led to believe that this program is trying to take their Christmas presents away from them. That is absolutely not true! We are only encouraging parents to be both good parents and responsible Christians. There are thousands of potential presents in stores now that match the neutral category of your decision tables. There are also many pro-Gospel gifts available; and as this program matures, there will be an ever increasing number of pro-Gospel and neutral gift options. These new options will only become reality after Christian parents begin consulting with the Holy Spirit about their Christmas present purchases for their children.

Every day we tell people around us a lot about ourselves. We wear caps that feature logos of sports teams or sporting goods companies. We wear t-shirts with catchy slogans. We have jackets, shirts, pants, and shoes with a designer's name or company name on them. Even our vehicles display the make and model on them. Our outward lives have truly become "secular billboards." However, it is rare to be able to determine if a stranger or even a fellow member of your church is a Christian by looking at what they are wearing. As Christians we should not be ashamed to admit whose we are. Wearing items that identify ourselves as Christians will have an immediate effect on everyone we encounter as well as on ourselves. Here are some suggestions:

• Wear a cross visibly on your lapel, on a bracelet, or a necklace — or anywhere.
• Wear a hat or shirt with a Christian logo or slogan such as WWJD (What Would Jesus Do).
• Attach a Christian symbol such as a cross or a fish to the zipper pull on your jacket or purse.
• Wear clothing with subtle crosses in the weave.
• Wear a patch with the name of your church or the logo for your denomination.
• Attach a Christian bumper sticker or symbol to your vehicle.

Whenever we show the world that we are Christians in any way, we make a powerful statement. Many people find that wearing any kind of Christian "advertising" strengthens their faith walk. Even if you are very self conscious and hesitant to do so, please challenge yourself and try wearing a Christian symbol for a while. It is likely that you will be pleasantly surprised, and enjoy the change in your life. When you encounter a store display, advertisement, a product, or any other situation that you feel takes away from the true Christmas message, find the courage to speak up. You can tell someone directly how you feel; for example, ask to talk to the store manager if you wish to comment on something you saw in a store while Christmas shopping that you feel is inappropriate. Many national retailers and organizations have telephone numbers you can call to make comments and suggestions; use them. Sometimes, a written letter may be a better way to communicate. If your message is falling on deaf ears, consider writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper. If you use a computer, you might look into starting a weblog (blog) or contribute to other online discussions about Christ, Christmas, and His Gospel message of salvation.

Don't forget that a very important form of speech is found in the way we spend our money and our time. Be selective and evaluate different stores and organizations in terms of the things you value. Do you feel welcome as a Christian when you enter a store or when you support an organization with your time, talent, or treasure? Favor stores and organizations where you feel most comfortable from a faith point of view. Ignore advertisements for inappropriate gifts and try to avoid viewing or listening to offensive ads or other material during the Christmas Season. Unfortunately, in many cases children are the primary targets for inappropriate advertising. Do not allow yourself or your children to view movies or television programs that are harmful to the true meaning of a holyday. When in doubt, always lean toward God's side — what would Jesus do?

When speaking verbally or in writing, it is important to be respectful but hold firm to your principles. Many business persons will do the right thing and adjust their behavior if people they respect and/or need as customers simply express a preference without using a scolding tone or embarrassing them. Here are some sample statements you could make:

At a movie theater: "I really enjoy bringing my children to your theater over their Christmas break. But as a Christian I'd rather my children were not exposed to those sexually explicit posters, especially during our Christmas Season. They are also inappropriate according to CHRIST, and I support the CHRIST Program. Please consider removing them or moving them to a place where children will not see them."

At a retail store where you like to shop: "Your store is one of my favorites, and I come here often. However, your Happy Holidays sign does bother me, and it is a disrespectful replacement of the true meaning of Christmas. I and all other Christians would appreciate it if you displayed the more appropriate Merry Christmas sign instead. It is not against the law to have a Merry Christmas sign. If you have any questions about how Christians would like to be treated during our Christmas Season, I suggest you look at RestoreChrist.org for guidance."

At your own place of business: place a sign in the window that says "Merry Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus."

When you enter a store and feel especially welcome as a Christian, tell the manager you appreciate his effort and that you will be shopping there again. A statement as simple as "God bless you for your understanding" may make a lasting impression.

When anyone says "happy holidays" to you, reply with .I have an even better wish for you: have a blessed Christmas."

During the Christmas season, add something like this to the signature you include in each email message, card, or letter you send: "Jesus is the reason for the season. Rejoice!"

It is best for everyone using the CHRIST Program to develop their own set of such statements. These might be few or numerous. These should be written down and occasionally reviewed so that they are at the tip of your tongue when needed. When you hear another Christian's statement that you like, add it to your list. Your list and its use are mightier than any sword in restoring Christ in Christmas.

Pray that people everywhere will keep Jesus Christ in the front of their mind throughout the Christmas season. Pray for the CHRIST Program. We need God's help; all good things happen through Him.

Write an article for your church bulletin or newsletter to tell people about this program, and to let them know that they too can help restore the Gospel in Christian holydays.

Organize a Bible study / education program within your congregation, focused on ways of keeping Christ at the center of Christmas and other holydays.

Assemble a list of your favorite Bible verses and use an appropriate one at the end of your correspondence, or politely insert a verse into any conversation.

Should you be rebuked by a non-Christian, simply reply "Have a great day" or if you are bold enough you might say "I will pray for you" (if you say the latter, make sure you do pray for them).

Tell others about this program. Our web address is: RestoreChrist.org

Elders and other lay leaders within church congregations are encouraged to become familiar with this CHRIST Program. If you like what you see, participate yourself and educate your members about the program.

The CHRIST Program itself can not succeed with half-hearted Christians. Encourage your congregation to pursue their faith walk with energy and devotion. The Church Universal needs Christians who are on their faith walk, and who choose to make the CHRIST Program a part of that walk.

Remain consistent with your denomination's teachings and your Church calendar. We suggest that beginning mid-November you also present your denominations views on members becoming more active Christians and discuss using the CHRIST Program as an empowering tool. Help members develop personal plans for using CHRIST. These plans should reinforce members understanding of the true meaning of Christmas, and also include your denominations recommendations on how to interact with the secular world. We encourage all clergy to work at imparting salvations testament by not only presenting the Gospel message during the Christmas Season but also encouraging the congregation to share it with others.

The CHRIST Program was designed to be a good, but not perfect, fit to every denomination. Clergy are urged to not make separate versions of CHRIST. The existence of several similar programs would reduce the effectiveness and cause more confusion in the secular world. Such confusion would very likely be used to renew secular control of Christmas and the other Christian holydays.

We think that most leaders are trying to do a good job, but are a bit confused and misinformed regarding Christian holydays. When no religion is given preferential treatment, the allowing of any religion's holyday activities does not break any laws. Christmas is a Christian religious holyday and celebration. Christians collectively own the symbols and meanings associated with the Christmas Season. The creation and/or use of "politically correct" messages, displays, symbols, and decorations that replace the Christian ones constitute interference with the Christian religion.

As a government or school leader, you are being respectful to Christians:

• if you do nothing different during the Christmas Season.
• if you allow Christian employees to have Christmas decorations and/or a Christmas party.
• if employees who practice other religions are granted similar freedom when celebrating their holidays.
• if you allow local Christian groups to set up Christmas displays on your property.
• if Christian students are allowed use of the school auditorium for a Christmas concert.
• if you encourage your city or town to decorate downtown with lights, garlands, wreaths, bright ribbons, etc.

There is nothing in the U.S. Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, or The Bill of Rights that prohibits local government or schools from being courteous to people of faith. The phrase "Separation of Church and State" does not appear anywhere in those important documents either.

There is no law that precludes a retailer from welcoming Christians to your store. By law you may have any greetings displayed, any background music playing, and your sales staff can give any personal seasonal greeting. No one can sue you if you have a "Merry Christmas" banner in your store, or display a nativity scene in your store, or do anything else appropriate to celebrate Christmas. Your retail site can be made more inviting to Christian customers shopping during the Christmas Season without cost. Simply adjust your products, promotions, and environment. The most welcoming retailers:

• Display traditional Christmas decorations.
• Use traditional Christmas greetings such as "Merry Christmas."
• Use religious music as background music.
• Feature Christian gift items prominently.
• Do other things that reflect the Christian point of view.

Perhaps the ultimate Christian welcoming gesture is to directly remind people of the reason for the season by displaying the baby Jesus prominently and appropriately.

Christians are far less concerned whether a store is locally owned or foreign owned, or what religion the owners adhere to than they are about having their faith respected. All non-appropriate items may remain in your store and be available for purchase, but should be in less prominent locations and have unobtrusive advertising.

A store manager wanting to think outside the box has unlimited marketing opportunities to encourage Christian shoppers to come to your store. You could offer Christians who wear a Christian symbol an extra 10% off all their Christmas Season shopping, or enter them into drawings in which Christian gifts are given away. You might have a "buy one, get one free" sale in which one item goes to the customer and the second one goes to a local charity. Some stores already give a percentage of their Christmas gross receipts to local charities.

The Christmas Season promotes love and peace, in addition to celebrating God coming to Earth as Jesus. Many Christians are tired of being bombarded with inappropriate advertisements or ads for inappropriate products during our Christmas festival. For example, while violent video games are popular and profitable, they do not mesh well with the story of Jesus' birth. Please consider restructuring your advertising year to include a Christian compatible Christmas Season and avoid targeting our children with inappropriate advertisements. Revaluate your product line with the thought that Christians would like to buy gifts that are appropriate for the largest Christian celebration of the year. To enterprising manufacturers, tremendous new product niches now exist, and Christians are looking for those products. The number of Christian gift items available is relatively small. There is nothing stopping every designer from developing entire lines of Christian inspired jewelry, apparel, etc. Your products are extremely visible, highly promoted, but often inappropriate to the Christmas Season. Please reschedule the release dates and/or marketing of inappropriate products to fall outside the Christmas Season. Consider developing new products that are more compatible with the Christian faith. Christians employing selective spending will reward such efforts — year round. Since the worlds major religions all have similar precepts, new products that Christians like will likely also be sought after by responsible parents who adhere to those other religions as well. Though it was not called Thanksgiving Day at the time, what we recognize as the first Thanksgiving feast was celebrated in 1621 by the pilgrims of the Plymouth colony along with about 90 Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims had suffered through a devastating winter in which nearly half their number died. Without the help of the Indians, all would have perished.

After the first good harvest, Governor William Bradford proclaimed a day of thanksgiving and prayer to God. The food, which was eaten outdoors, included corn, geese, turkeys, ducks, eel, clams, leeks, plums, cod, bass, barley, venison and corn bread. The feast lasted 3 days. Though the exact date is unknown, the feast clearly took place in late autumn.

At the close of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln wrote: It has seemed to me fit and proper that they (the gracious gifts of the Most High God) should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens."

From the above, the origins and meanings of Thanksgiving Day are crystal clear. Yet, the secular world is trying hard to make Thanksgiving a purely generic holiday with no mention of God. In Maryland public schools students are now being taught about a secular Thanksgiving which counters the holiday's original premise as stated by President George Washington in his Thanksgiving Day proclamation: "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor." Deliberate omissions of fact deny the meaning and purpose of Thanksgiving.

The re-writing of history by governments and through public schools has historically been the hallmark of totalitarian regimes. Such re-writing for a God-less American history cannot be allowed, or we would be dishonoring our pilgrim ancestors, President Washington, President Lincoln and many others in our nations history, as well as ourselves.

By law government cannot establish a religion. Therefore, it legally follows that government cannot deliberately de-establish a religion either. If you make the CHRIST Program part of your faith walk, make sure your political representatives, school boards, and local media know that thanking God is an integral part of Thanksgiving and our American heritage, and is also important to you.

The Easter Season centers on Jesus Christ's Resurrection.  Easter celebrates the central event in the story of our salvation.  It is the highest of Christian Church feasts, the Great Sunday.  Easter is also the oldest Christian festival. The Easter Season includes the six Sundays of Lent (a 40 day period of preparation, reflection, and expectation), the seven Sundays of Easter and ends on Ascension Sunday. The link between cross and resurrection in Christian faith unifies this season.

The Lenten journey begins on Ash Wednesday, when we begin what might be called a spring cleaning of our souls.  The proper mood is one of expectation, like that of Advent, in which Christians should not only feel sorrow, because of our sins and Christ's death - but also joy, because of the triumph of His Resurrection.  Lent includes six Sundays.  At Lent's end is Holy Week—the Holiest Week of the entire year when we remember Christ's betrayal, suffering, death, and Resurrection.

The Easter Season illuminates God's grace poured out for us. Grace is a favor granted by God through His mercy and kindness to those who accept it through faith, even though none deserve it.  Because we all are sinful and therefore unable to please Him, God provided a way for us to be saved from sin and death.  This is His gift to us. We do not deserve grace and can never earn or repay this favor. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Christ gave us the greatest of all gifts, salvation from our sins, through his death and resurrection.  Christians can celebrate Christ's gift to us on Easter Sunday by sharing a meal and sweet gifts with family and other Christians.  It is totally appropriate to give candy as a symbol of God's sweetest gift to us.  Such candy preferably should be in plain wrappers or wrappers decorated with Christian symbols and messages.

Families are somewhat coerced to celebrate Easter in non-Christian ways through mass marketing directed at children.  It is hard for parents and grandparents to tell small children "no" when the children see and ask for inappropriate but fun looking items.  However, every Christian family can establish a unique set of Christian traditions and thereby sidestep such marketing when it is inappropriate.  Family focused activities not only instruct children, but can form some of the fondest memories of childhood.  Such activities also strengthen both parent/children bonding as well as Heavenly Father /child bonding.  Family traditions are usually handed down through successive generations so they can produce immeasurable results over time – within the family tree and the secular world too.  As an example of this, the Jewish families of the Old Testament celebrated holydays which are still celebrated by Jewish families today, and in the same way.  Christian parents have a responsibility to ensure that the Biblical message of Easter is not overshadowed or lost among secular symbols such as the Easter Bunny.

Consider what symbolism and story line is portrayed on candy, and then consider not buying inappropriately decorated candy.  Think about making things like candy, fudge, and cakes with your children.  Candy and cake moulds are available in a variety of Christian shapes that could be used instead of a bunny.  Cookies can be decorated in any way you like.  The sights, sounds, smells and eventual eating of all such treats are very memorable.  Children love making good things to eat, and even older boys and girls still enjoy helping out in the kitchen during such activities.  While preparing these treats, it is an opportune time to remind your children that the sweet treats you are making represent God's greatest and sweetest gift to us – salvation.

Consider decorating Easter eggs with your children, noting that the eggs represent renewal; both of the spring season, and our rebirth in Christ.  Also, seriously consider hollow plastic eggs that you can put non-candy items into directly such as a Christian ring, necklace, bracelet, or a piece of rock candy (a reminder of the stone that covered the entrance to Jesus' tomb).  For larger items that would not fit in an egg, identify the gift on a piece of paper.  For many people, hollow eggs also symbolize Jesus' empty tomb.

At a family gathering you might tell the Easter story, re-tell family stories, say a special prayer, watch a particular movie, play inspirational and/or seasonal music, or read tracts from your church.  Do whatever else that makes Easter special for the whole family and establish patterns that when repeated annually will quickly become your own traditions.  As many Christian families begin shifting away from that which is secular and more toward God-centered family traditions, those secular add-ons will begin disappearing as demand decreases.

The word "Easter" is Christian, and it should always be used appropriately.  Although Easter's message of salvation has tremendous importance to Christianity, the Easter Season has been subjected to intrusive commercialization.  Christians need to begin evaluating the non-Christian impact that this intrusion has on our Easter Season, and consider how we might begin adjusting that impact to keep the focus at Easter on Christ.

Items made specifically for the Easter Season which merely replace the Christian symbols with magical animals or any other non-Christian symbols or messages are inappropriate.  Since such items can grossly change the meaning of Easter, we encourage you to consider not buying them.

Today the Easter bunny is the most prevalent and misleading symbol associated with Easter.  When you search the web with your computer using the key words "Easter bunny", there are over 5 million matches!  There are an enormous number of Easter bunny items being promoted which in total can easily overwhelm Easter's true message.  The bunny items include toys, games, candy, books, movies, TV programs, cards, e-cards, and computer screen savers and wallpaper.  The bunny generates billions of dollars in profits for secular interests, so these companies will always strive to retain it.

However, the bunny (or hare) symbol is older than Christianity.  As early as 2000 B.C. the hare symbol was associated with death and rebirth in Mesopotamia and Syria, and later was associated with the Egyptian god Osiris.  The ancient Greeks associated the hare with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and also with Eros, the god of sexual attraction.  The Romans associated the hare with the goddess Diana.  The hare's great fertility made it a symbol of springtime in much of pre-Christian Europe.  In Norse mythology the hare symbolized Freya, the goddess of sexual attraction.  It is for all these reasons that the bunny was selected as the symbol for Playboy Magazine.

Jesus Christ's Resurrection coincided with the pagan festival of Eastre (Latin: Oestre), which was celebrated on the vernal equinox. The fertility goddess Eastre was worshipped by Anglo-Saxons through her earthly symbol, the rabbit.  Although Easter obtained its name from the Eastre celebration, the pagan rabbit symbol was avoided by Christians. In German folklore the hare became connected to Easter by linking it to spring, fertility, and new life.  During the 1800's, German immigrants brought the idea of today's Easter bunny that delivers Easter eggs to America.  Now that secular interests have usurped so much control of the Easter Bunny and its message, Christians should prayerfully consider avoiding it.

When you cannot find appropriate Easter Season merchandise in a store, take a moment and briefly explain to the manager what kinds of things you are looking for.  If something is suggested that you consider inappropriate, politely inform him/her why you will not consider buying it.   Most managers are eager to provide their customers with the items they request.

When you encounter stores that indicate that they will not close from 12-3:00 pm on Good Friday or on Easter Sunday, mention to them that as a Christian you consider it improper for you and other Christians to shop during those hours.  Politely suggest that their Christian employees would appreciate having those hours off.  You could also invite the manager to your church during this time and indicate that their entire family would be very welcome then or anytime.

Easter is a Christian holyday, not a legal holiday.  Speak up if you feel that any Easter displays that occur in or on school or municipal grounds during the Easter Season are inappropriate.  If you agree and are feeling bold, state that continuing to inter-mix the rabbit symbol of the fertility goddess Eastre into the Christian Easter Season is offensive to you and that it is also inappropriate under the establishment clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Keep in mind that we must trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, and acknowledge him as Lord of all and Head of the Church Universal.  Through Him we believe in One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  In our faith walks we must seek to follow the lead of our Lord Jesus Christ, love our neighbors as ourselves, and work for the reconciliation of the world – secular and Christian.  Never try to inflict your beliefs on others, rather showcase them in how you live your life in Christian love and offer to share them freely to those willing to accept.

Christian leaders are often charged with educating children, and the importance of your role cannot be over emphasized.  Evaluate all secular impacts on Easter's message.  Consider avoiding all use of the Easter bunny, a non-Christian symbol.  When children ask about it, take the opportunity to explain that it is a make-believe bunny that actually has nothing to do with Easter.  You may then present to the children whatever further information that your denomination feels is appropriate.  The lamb is an appropriate animal symbol for Easter.  You might say that someone could follow the so called Easter bunny, like Peter Cottontail, down their path; but that path goes nowhere, while the "Lamb of God" (Jesus) leads us all down the path that leads to Heaven.  In addition, there are many other Christian symbols that are associated with the Easter Season that you can use, such as the cross, the empty tomb, symbolic colors such as black and white, and so on. Businesses have a right to make money, but are careless at times and intrude on Christianity.  As long as businesses continue to add secular things onto Christian holydays there will be problems.  Work toward modifying or replacing things that Christians feel are inappropriate and market them during times that do not conflict with Christian celebrations. Many Christians believe that the use of the Christian term "Easter" in association with a bunny, chicken, rat, skunk, or any animal symbol other than a lamb is intruding into the Christian religion by deflecting people from the true meaning of Easter.  Avoid applying the term "Easter" where it does not belong.  Explain the origin of the tradition of exchanging candy and other sweet treats on Easter.

We are still working on the CHRIST Program for the Great Commission Season. Check back later for more information. Jesus Himself gave us the Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20). The CHRIST Program uses the term "The Great Commission Season" to refer to the time between Pentecost and Thanksgiving Day. This period encompasses the following Christian holydays:

Yes, the program will be periodically updated. Such updating will be used both to clarify existing material as well as add additional information. All Christian outreach programs are based on some theological foundation. Although the CHRIST Program is unique, we have tried to keep it as theologically simple as possible. The perspective used to create the program is described below.

This is a sanctification program. Sanctification (literally "making holy by receiving the Holy Spirit") is the manifestation of the Word of God in us, galvanizing us into action, and filling our hearts with love for our neighbors.

This is not a "good works" program to earn salvation. All Christians are justified (receive forgiveness from their sins) by God through Jesus Christ's life and atoning death. Justification is not in any way merited by us, but it is freely offered to everyone by God — as a gift. There are no degrees of justification, and no amount of good works can justify anyone.

This is not a new law-based program. The Old Testament focuses heavily on the Law. At the center of the New Testament is the Gospel of Jesus Christ which, through justification, frees us from being condemned by that law. The Law does not produce sanctification or good works. However, the Law has its place in the work of sanctification; it serves the Gospel. The encouragements and suggestions we offer throughout the CHRIST Program should not be interpreted as expressing a new set of laws. They are meant as generalities and have been designed to serve both the Gospel and the Church.

Within the Church there are sometimes two kingdoms described. In the "kingdom of the right" Christians relate to each other according to the Gospel. In the "kingdom of the left" Christians relate to others through their vocation and in society according to the rule of secular law. Christ's Church is in the kingdom on the right, and celebrates numerous holydays. The secular world is in the kingdom of the left, and exercises control of legal holidays. Problems can arise when holydays are also holidays, and there has been no link between the between the kingdoms to fix them. By establishing a means through which Christians can spread the Gospel (impart salvation's testament) and positively impact society, the CHRIST Program bridges both kingdoms.

Different Christian denominations have varying views on the interplay of justification and sanctification. We are not trying to persuade anyone here, rather simply define our perspective. Justification defines the believer's relationship with God, and sanctification defines the believer's relationship to the world. Whenever the Holy Spirit brings a person to faith through the Gospel, He immediately also works sanctification and good works in that same person through that faith. Scripture strongly emphasizes that sanctification is inseparably connected with justification, and that sanctification follows justification. It is through the awesome power of the Holy Spirit that Christians are directed and empowered to lead a godly life, and participation in the CHRIST Program may become part of that process for many Christians.

All Christians collectively own Christian holydays, and only we have both the right and license to define what they are, what they are not, and what should be restored. It was physically impossible for all Christians to be involved in developing the CHRIST Program. Even the problems faced by a single denomination or just several churches to come together to work on such a task are very challenging. The ideal size Christian group that might be able to accomplish this goal in a reasonable time frame is probably the size of a single church committee. Such a small group of ordinary Christian friends from Saline, Michigan, USA created the CHRIST Program during 2005 and 2006. Our work was not sponsored or directed by any church. We worked on it as individual Christians reaching out to other individual Christians. We have all chosen to "walk the walk" and to allow God to lead us. We have committed to restoring Christ as the centerpiece of all Christian holydays as part of our faith walks. We attend church regularly and volunteer within our congregations and community.

We do not need donations. We are not selling anything. However, we do desire your prayers for the program as well as your prayerful consideration of joining with us in the program. God has a plan for each of us, and joining us may be part of God's plan for you.

May God bless you and keep you, may His countenance shine upon you, and may God grant you His peace.

The CHRIST Group
Email: info@RestoreChrist.org

p.s. Merry Christmas, and Have a Blessed Easter!