Christmas and the Public School

by A.Vasquez on 10/25/12

"Winter and Spring Break . . . Remember some years ago when we actually referred to them as Christmas and Easter Break?"

         God has given us the most important gift we can ever receive in that of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Christmas provides us with a wonderful opportunity to share about Christ's Love. In public schools however, children are being told that Christmas is about a lot of other things like presents, snowmen, elves, and a red nosed reindeer. Of course there is nothing inherently bad about all of these things. There is just one important fact missing from this picture. That God sent His Son to take on human flesh so that we could be saved.

            Celebrating Chrsitmas for the historic, cultural and religious significance is completely legal/constitutional in our public schools. Teachers can make use of The Nativity, Christmas Carols, and Biblical Passages so as long as the teacher is not engaged in proselytizing or diminishing another religion*. So as a public school teacher, you may have to choose your words wisely but don't forget that Christmas is a federally recognized holiday so make sure to wish everyone Merry Christmas and not happy holidays.

"Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifice God is well pleased." Hebrews 13:16

WeSayChristmas.net reccommends reading: 

Kjos, Berit. Brave New Schools. Harvest House Publishers, 1995

*ACLJ column Holiday Observance in Public Schools