In North Carolina the Christmas song “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was temporarily banned from being sung by children at a Christmas concert. Why? Apparently a parent complained that the song contained the words “Christmas” and “Santa,” words which she believes carry religious overtones and finds offensive.

Apparently Santa and Rudolph are the new symbols of the Christmas Story. No longer are Shepherds, sheep and angels symbols of the Story of Christmas. I am not surprised that this has happened for even in the church house the Christmas tree is of more improtance than the Christmas Star, that Star being the Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth, born of a virgin, to save us from sin and death. No longer is the Heralding angels announcing the birth of a King the focal point for they have been replaced with advertisements and parades heralding the arrival of Santa Clause.

If this is not a commentary on the state of our culture than I do not know what is. Perhaps it is time the church stop celebrating Christmas and start celebrating the life of Christ. What say you?