Ok. I'm officially lodging a complaint about the entire "Christmas Church Service" debate. If you have been aware of the latest "evangelical news story" you know that there has been great concern about the fact that Christmas falls on a Sunday this year.
It seems that some churches have decided to take the day "off" and let their families stay home and celebrate Christmas or (gasp), attend another church that has morning services.
One example of the debate is in Toledo, OH. Another is Fredericksburg, MD. In fact, much of the media has been aimed at the Mega-churches.
This really isn't fair since the majority of "closed" churches on Christmas Day will be the smaller churches - I speak from experience. Having pastored, or been on a church staff for more than 15 years, this was an issue that I have faced, thankfully, only a few times - 1983, 1988, and 1994. Knowing what to do when you have 10 families and 8 have small children can be a valid issue. I won't say how I handled it. I will say that this is the first Christmas on Sunday that has EVER made "news". And of all of the previous years I mentioned had some churches that closed for Christmas on that day.
Which "side" you choose isn't really the point. Both "sides" have legitimate perspective.
The real point is, "why are followers of Christ even having the discussion, and do they realize the impact on those who watch, namely folks who aren't following Christ?"
I mean, I don't really want to piss on the parade that you have decided to march in, but take a minute and think this through:
1. It makes followers of Christ LOOK LIKE they are aligned like political parties - the "anti's" and "for's" - we have descended into little arguments that make "us" fell better rather than promote Jesus Christ.
2. What effect does this have on people who are "looking in" at the silliness of the "sides"?
3. The "church" gets news coverage for their differences NOT their common love. What a sad thing.
4. Did the early church EVER celebrate the birth of Christ? I mean the church in the first 100 years after Christ? No real evidence exists. The "institutional" church started this celebration. Now, I have no problem with the celebration of Christ's birth, and I even participate in church services celebrations, as well as personal celebration, but should we FIGHT over it? Is it essential to the faith?
5. The church, for the most part, in the Western world, has failed in the primary mission of being light and salt to the world. This gives us more time to debate issues of little importance and allow discipleship to be the "Great Omission".
6. I really wonder what the Lord thinks of the debate? Does He even care if we celebrate His birthday?
7. Self-righteousness NEVER accomplishes productive results.
8. Motivating by guilt NEVER accomplishes productive results.
9. If you "miss" church for ANY reason and are part of the "debate", make sure that you do not have "rocks" in your hands. I know people (I am one of them) who has "skipped" church to travel, to spend time with family, to sleep in, to watch TV, because I am tired, and various other reasons. Do I take solace that at least the CHURCH WAS OPEN even though I decided to stay away? What is the difference? How can I justify myself if I am "taking a side" in this latest "discussion"?
I mean, shit people, let's just enjoy each other, celebrate Christ's birth if you are so inclined, and have a positive experience this year. Why would you allow this to cause a "dis-taste" for you?
One last thought - If you believe in a God and a devil. How do you think that the devil would ruin your celebration and cause division in the church? Cancel services OR exaggerate a "non-issue"?
I'm just saying to think about it.
"..love one another.." 1 Jn. 4:11
WH
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