While reading Gene Veith's excellent blog yesterday, he noted that the last time Christmas fell on a Sunday, many churches kept their doors closed. The logic was that Christmas is a family holiday and it would be better if families were able to stay home and enjoy their time together.
Is church really that much of an interruption or inconvenience for families? You mean to tell me that devoting an hour of worship to the God who gave us the gift of His one and only Son completely messes up Christmas day for families?
There is no better place for a family to gather - no matter what day of the week it falls on - than Christmas Day. What could be better for a family than to be in God's House, giving thanks and singing praises that Jesus Christ is born?! Church is the perfect place for parents and kids and grandparents and relatives and friends to be on Christmas morning. The presents and goodies and basketball and football games will wait. They won't disappear - trust me!
Tonight at 5 pm our Sunday school children will tell the Christmas story. I watched them practice and they will do a great job. At 8 pm and 11 pm (take your pick) you can join us for a candlelight service. It's goose bump time when the lights go down, the candles are lit and the church sings with one voice, "Silent Night, Holy Night."
Then on Christmas Day we'll have a worship service at 10 am. More great singing and special music is scheduled. Come and learn why the Babe born in Bethlehem treats us like a shepherd and why that is really good for us. It's Sunday, the day of the Lord's resurrection. We worship on Sunday. Don't treat this Sunday as something different.
God's very best to you and your family! See you tonight...and tomorrow!
