Several weeks ago, I became part of an online discussion group dealing with the question, “Should churches have services on Christmas Day since Christmas is on a Sunday?”
I could hardly believe the question was even being asked, but then learned that some megachurches had decided not to hold services because of the cost of utilities and the number of volunteers needed to run a service did not seem to be worth the benefit. I wondered then if the “benefit” would be the amount of money given.
I admit I was appalled at the idea of not having worship on this day, and spoke strongly about it. Although many supported my stance, others said bluntly, “Christmas is about family. That is where I will spend my time.”
Today, about 25 minutes before our worship was to begin, the only people in the church were me, my worship director, and one church member who had come early to return some tables borrowed the night before for a family celebration.
I myself began to wonder, “Was it a mistake to have worship today? Is it worth the effort?”
Getting out of bed had been difficult for me. Last night’s Christmas Eve worship had been powerful and awe-inspiring. Rarely do I experience insomnia, but I was unable to unwind and get to sleep last night, so had only about three hours of rest. I did not arise with a good attitude.
I asked the one church member there to tell people to pick up a hymnal and sit near the front. I turned off the lights in the back of the Worship Center to drive the few I expected to show up to move forward.
I went to my office to think and consider the situation, the empty church, the decision I had me to do this and wondered if I had made a really bad mistake.
As I sat there, I began to hear noises coming from the greeting area. The volume of conversation rose. Curiosity drove me from my sanctum.
The greeting area was filling. The first church member was happily giving direction to those coming in. Others spontaneously joined him with instructions and greeting.
I went to the door to look outside. A slow but steady stream of cars were turning into the parking lot. Family after family spilled from their car and we wished one another “Merry Christmas” with hugs and joy.
I had not even bothered to ask for someone to help serve communion, expecting a small crowd. I put out only a few registration pads for the same reason.
Speechless, I suddenly heard the accompanist (who came in after I had headed to my office in my funk) begin a processional (which had been hastily decided upon–the service was to be intentionally unscripted). I grabbed a couple of young women and gave them the candlelighters and we headed in. As I got to the front, the man I had asked to send everyone to the front signaled me–we needed light in the whole worship area–people were sitting everywhere. I asked my tech person, who had been given the day off because I thought a no-tech service would be best, to take care of the lighting situation.
People were invited to call out the number of their favorite Christmas carols. The numbers came quickly and the singing was full of joy and sound–the worship center by then being nearly 3/4 full.
As we engaged today in our worship, I got it yet once more: my job is to be faithful. It’s God’s job to bring the result.
Thanks be to God that I didn’t miss this day in the name of convenience.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In