Clarksville pastor placing Christmas signs in yards
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Pastor Jimmy Terry of Tabernacle Baptist Church is not afraid of voicing his opinion about the state of Christianity in America today, not even at Christmas. Unlike those who only criticize a situation, Terry always offers a solution to the problem at hand. That solution, he says, is Jesus Christ.
10,000 yard signs
Beginning Monday, Dec. 1, Terry and a growing number of citizens will put 10,000 signs in the yards and on the property of churches and businesses in the greater Clarksville area. The problem at hand for Terry is that Christ continues to be left out of Christmas, and the problem is getting worse.
Terry stated emphatically, “We have lost the meaning of Christmas throughout the entire world, and when I say ‘we’ I mean Christians. Christmas is no longer about Jesus Christ. It’s all about materialism. These yard signs are just one way we can help keep Christ in Christmas.”
Each sign has a Christmas message reminding the public that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. “It is a holiday, but first and foremost, it is a holy day. Christmas is not supposed to be about Black Friday and the success of America’s retail stores.
“But, that is what Christmas is all about and has been for too long. The public is obsessed with buying that ideal gift for someone. That is deeply troubling to me,” Terry stated.
Reminders for motorists
The plan is to place signs throughout Montgomery, Cheatham, Houston, Stewart and Dickson counties, and also in Oak Grove, Guthrie and Hopkinsville.
“These signs will be constant reminders to motorists that Christmas is about Jesus because Christmas is Jesus. There is something else, though, about Christmas that troubles me,” Pastor Terry remarked.
“There are dozens and dozens of these national months that celebrate or honor something. We have American Heart Month, Black History Month, Jazz Appreciation Month, National Pet Month and on and on. For Christmas, we have one day. That’s it.”
Adding to his remarks, “With all these special month-long designations, Jesus Christ is never mentioned. I am asking Christians, ‘Are we saying that Jesus is worth recognizing and honoring only one day each year?’ We count down the number of shopping days remaining and then pay little attention the actual meaning of Dec. 25. This reflects so poorly on us.”
Not for profit
The cost of the 10,000 signs is being paid for by donations. Terry said the signs are free to anyone who wants to place one in their yard. Contributions for the signs will be accepted but are not required.
Terry explained, “This is not about selling signs or making signs for profit. Tabernacle Baptist Church will not receive one dime for providing these signs to the public. We do have available some very large commercial signs for businesses and churches and there is a charge for those, but not for the yard signs.”
For anyone who wishes to contribute to the cost of the signs, checks should be made payable to “Hilldale Baptist Church - Signs” and either brought or sent to Hilldale, located at 2001 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37043. Dwight Dickson and Mike Harrison are co-treasurers for the project.
“My prayer is that all of us will be as one in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on Dec. 25, and remain as one throughout the entire year. That is what Jesus calls us to do.”
For more information call Pastor Jimmy Terry at 801-8007, or send an e-mail to visiontb@bellsouth.net.
Tabernacle Baptist Church
301 Market St.
648-1171