BSC Web poll says telling story best way to reclaim Christmas

By Norman Jameson

BSC Communications

"Go Tell it on the Mountain" seems to be the best way for Christians to reclaim the focus of Christ in Christmas, according to a Web poll at www.northcarolinabaptists.org.

Evidently believing the admonitions of that special carol that encourages people "Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born," 67 percent of poll participants said the best thing they could do to reclaim the focus of Christ in Christmas was to: "Tell the real story of Christmas to a neighbor who has never heard."

The next closest category - garnering 15 percent of the vote - was: "Use a greeting of 'Merry Christmas' instead of 'Happy Holidays.'"

Other options were: using only Christian-themed decorations, ornaments and cards, 4 percent; being personally and financially involved with mission or charitable causes, 11 percent; and make attendance at special Christmas services a priority, 4 percent.

"Given the evangelical nature of the one million North Carolina Baptists, I'm not surprised that visitors to our poll would emphasize telling the story," said Jim Royston, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

"Christians have a special relationship with this holiday. It is our holiday and I'm pleased by a sense I feel of Christians wanting to reclaim it. We can't blame those who don't know the Jesus of Christmas for getting caught up in the spirit of things - the giving, singing, gathering, special events and symbols we treasure to remind us of that earth shattering night. It's all fun and exciting.

"They don't realize the tinsel and music reflect the glitter and song of the angels' announcement to the shepherds. Gifts reflect the wise men's humble adoration of their new king.

"But the voice of God announcing His arrival was only the crackling cry of a baby's first breath, muffled in the shuffling and snuffling of cattle and sheep," Royston said.

"That's the voice lost in a holiday taken over by those who love the glitter of store windows over the dust of a manger bed; who think it more important to gift shop than to worship and who 'hate the holiday' because of the stress and pressure of keeping up with the secular expectations," he said.

Royston said he encourages everyone to "hit the brakes on the holiday 'Polar Express' and instead, express your love to family and friends and to God for His greatest of all possible gifts.

"Worship the King. Enjoy your friends and family. Give in gratitude. Rejoice, for unto you is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina is the state's largest religious body, with offices in Cary. More than one million members in 4,000 churches are affiliated with the convention.