Order takes message to tens of millions through PSAs and tree lightings
Contact: Andrew Walther, Knights of Columbus, 203-752-4253
NEW HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 7 /Christian Newswire/ -- Millions of people in North America will get the message to "Keep Christ in Christmas" thanks to Public Service Announcements from the Knights of Columbus that will be aired in the United States and Canada during the Christmas season.
Radio spots encouraging people to "Keep Christ in Christmas" in various ways - including by helping the less fortunate - will be aired in English and Spanish. A television PSA has been sent to TV networks and hundreds of local broadcast stations and cable television systems.
The Knights have been producing "Keep Christ in Christmas" PSAs since the 1980s. The radio and TV spots can be accessed at www.kofc.org
Last year, the Knights of Columbus Christmas PSAs reached more than 43 million television viewers and up to 37 million radio listeners. Hundreds of billboards with the same message have also been put up around the country by local Knights of Columbus councils, and many councils sell religiously themed Christmas cards as well.
"In the midst of an increasingly materialistic and secular society, it is all too easy to lose sight of what Christmas really means. We give gifts to each other because it is the day on which we celebrate the ultimate gift: the Christ child, the savior of mankind," said Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. "Even those who do not share the Christian faith can and do appreciate the message of peace and hope that this Christian holiday – holy day – brings to the world. It is a message that the world needs now more than ever."
This month the Knights kicked off the Christmas season as councils nationwide – including the Supreme Council in New Haven – took part in the "Light up for Christ" program. Councils are encouraged to hold a Christmas tree or nativity scene lighting ceremony on the first Tuesday of December to commemorate Christ's birth.
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest lay Catholic organization with more than 1.7 million members worldwide. Last year Knights donated more than $139 million dollars and more than 64 million hours to charitable causes.
