How Christmas Can Impact the Culture!
BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ --
We often worry that Christmas has become routine. Many communities across the country have settled for mere "holiday" celebrations focused on the secular side of the season. It seems that our culture is rapidly becoming ignorant about the real purpose of the holiday.
According to Phil Cooke, who has a Ph.D. in theology, and works specifically with non-profit and religious clients, producing national advertising for some of the largest companies in the country, "One of the reasons we are losing our focus is the way the media depicts the holiday, constantly focusing on the secular more 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."
Cooke believes that the key to change is cutting through the overwhelming media clutter, and sharing the key elements of faith through casual conversations, the pulpit, and even through the media itself. "Essentially, it's about getting the real Christmas message heard. It's about telling the story of Christ's birth, and making that story connect," he says.
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. Cooke has some tips for sharing the real Christmas message:
Don't be afraid to express your faith in the community or public square. Because of recent court rulings Christians shy away from anything remotely religious at Christmastime -- especially in public. Ask Christian attorneys for advice, or contact the American Center for Law and Justice (http://www.aclj.org/) for information on how to share your faith appropriately in a public forum.
Be confident but courteous at your office or school about expressing your faith. Stop arguing with people, and begin developing a relationship of compassion and trust.
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 the joy of giving and experiencing the wonder and excitement of the big guy in the red suit.
"Give gifts, it is a fantastic way to develop a discussion with a non-Christian about God's ultimate gift," Cooke says. "Let's all lighten up and enjoy the North Pole, the reindeer, and the anticipation of the sound of hooves on the roof at midnight. But let's not forget to teach children and grandchildren the story of how God gave us the greatest gift of all."
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Phil Cooke http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=69701
Source: Phil Cooke
CONTACT: Jackelyn Viera Iloff of End Results, Inc., +1-713-254-2284, for
Phil Cooke
Web site: http://www.endresultsinc.com/
http://www.brandingfaith.com/
http://www.philcooke.com/
http://www.aclj.org/
NOTE TO EDITORS: Cooke is available for interviews or to write columns on media and culture, branding, mega church media development, religion and entertainment issues. For information on Cooke's book Branding Faith and bio go to http://www.brandingfaith.com or more information go to http://www.philcooke.com.
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