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.