Christian parents need to recognize that even when we delegate responsibility for our children’s education to public schools, we are still responsible for oversight. We are still responsible for challenging censorship of Christian elements in literature and the arts. 

The Christmas season reminds us that our job is to stay informed and involved year-round. Don’t wait until something goes wrong to complain. Build relationships with principals and teachers.  Know the law and be prepared to share it. But also learn as much as you can about the relationship between Christianity and the arts so you can discuss the importance of our cultural history in a winsome way.

I’m reminded of one high school teacher whose penchant for medieval music guaranteed a Winter Program filled with sacred music. Here's his reaction to one complaint: “When they write other music that’s any good, I’ll use it. My job is to teach music, and I only teach the best.”

Whether this teacher is a believer or not, Christian parents can learn from him. We need to stop thinking defensively and start taking back ground that has been lost through intimidation and fear in public schools. 

The fact is that taking Christ out of Christmas doesn’t hurt Christianity – after all Jesus said that even if his disciples were silenced, the rocks would cry out (Luke 19:40).  But the historical interconnectedness of faith, inspiration and artistic expression means that any anti-religion attacks on music, art or literature in the public schools must be resisted for the good of all students. 

Which is exactly why the law is on our side – and why we need to defend it.

Resources:

Rutherford Institute: The 12 Rules of Christmas

Liberty Counsel: Help Save Christmas campaign

First Amendment Center: Religious liberty in public schools 

Christian Educators Association International 

American Center for Law and Justice

Alliance Defense Fund 

Pacific Justice Institute 

Barbara Curtis has 12 children - including three adopted sons with Down syndrome - and 12 grandchildren so far. She is  also an award-winning author with nine books and 800+ articles in print publications including Focus on the Family, Guideposts, Christian Parenting Today, and The Washington Times.

Barbara is a popular speaker at MOPS and women's events, as well as writers' conferences.  Online you can find her at MommyLife and Mommy, Teach Me!.