Define "participate".

Participate: take part in (with regard to music in this case).

@Richard: exactly.

In order to keep Christ in Christmas, you have to also have the Mass part of the word (ChristMAS). I would posit and many would agree that the better you do the MAS part of Christmas, the more Christ is kept in it. For the secular world to remember what Christmas is all about, events such as the above would help, but only to a certain point if the MAS isn't done well (or Properly, yes pun intended). All of the secular events like the one above are ordered towards preparation for the MAS part of Christmas, which if not done well, is a complete let down from good preparation. I was talking with one of our RCIA instructors who informed me that 80% of people who go through the program will fall away from the Church again at some point, many within 2 years. They are taught all of these wonderful things about the Church, shown beautiful liturgy, precise ritual, and the most beautiful music from the Church's treasury of chant and polyphony (because it gets used in the Catholicism series and is THE MOST IDENTIFIABLY CATHOLIC TYPE OF MUSIC!!!) Then, when they go to Mass, they see none of this. The point is the if you want to keep Christ in Christmas, He must be found in the Mass before all else. If the Mass seems to not be about Him, people will not find Him there.

I had not heard of that program and we don't celebrate anything in Advent except Advent. Seasons are a bit fuzzy in the secular world, I think, and some of that has spilled over into the church. I was at Wal-Mart two weeks ago and all the Halloween merchandise was out and the decorations were up. Two months early is definitely premature.

I realize I have made an error. The evening is called "Light Up For Christ." The stickers and posters they give out say "Keep Christ in Christmas." It does not take place in the church but rather in the church's hall.

I think such events are a great thing.

Let's face it, there are concerts and productions for Christmas through December, and people eat that stuff up. At my church, we do Lessons and Carols every Advent, which is a huge hit. At a previous church, a member of the Hymn Society would present carols traditional, historic, and new, and he would give fascinating lectures on each. Our women's organization had a tradition of throwing a great Advent Party, which was a real blast.

This kind of thing can be great fun and really attract visitors to your church - at just the time when many are deciding where (or whether!) to go to church for Christmas. It's a good chance to advertise your liturgies - which doubtlessly will be solemn yet festive. And if it's just a party (which the KoC thing sounds like), so much the better that one should include music in the social activities of the parish.

Just don't do something silly in the context of the liturgy itself, and I see no problem with it.

Had no idea this existed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCDPwMpYDGs

I always argue - let's keep the "candle" in Candlemas.

Also, if we take from our Hispanis brethren the interpretation of "mas" as "more", then yes, definitely keep the "mas" in Christmas. (As well as Candlemas, Michaelmas, etc.)

In the Archdiocese of Portland, the KoC sponsors a citywide event, and it's held in a hotel ballroom. There is no pretense about it being a liturgical event. What I've experienced seems to be aimed a lapsed Catholics, and other Christians who are of goodwill. I've occasionally accompanied soloists, so it's been Ave Maria, O Holy Night, and such. And no secular carols, just religious carols. It serves a purpose. Perhaps in other regions where a parochial KofC might sponsor the event in their own parish, it would be somewhat more problematical.

Long, long ago I used to get upset when people would write 'Xmas'. Then it dawned on me at some point that it was shorthand for XPISTOS. Ha! If the people who write that knew what it meant they would probably stop writing it!