There’s a little media frenzy over the fact that several churches are choosing to close their doors on Christmas day. There are many views to this argument, but it basically looks like this:
Yes, We are closing! When Christmas falls on Sunday very few people come, so rather than mobilize all our volunteers for a minimal turn out, we’re choosing to focus our attention on Christmas Eve services.
No, We are NOT closing! When Christmas falls on Sunday it makes this scared day even more special because it allow us to evangelize entire families.
Some bloggers and Church websites have basically said that the church is in a catch-22 or a damned if they do and damned if they don’t situation. The church has to make a choice either to be open or close.
I want to weigh in with a few thoughts. First let’s keep in mind that THIS is MY blog and MY thoughts and has NO reflection on what any other pastor or church does Christmas morning. So with that said here are just a few thoughts I have about “Closing For Christmas.”
1. Christmas falling on Sunday should be as natural as Easter on Sunday & Thanksgiving on Thursday. Wish it was on Sunday every year!
2. Is the glass half full or half empty? While many may decide not to attend should that determine whether or not we open our doors?
3. Will there be any less need for the church on Sunday, December 25th? Will there not be hurting, discouraged and depressed people who need to hear the wonderful Christmas story of love, hope, healing and deliverance.
4. When has church been only about numbers? I never want my staff or volunteers to say, we shouldn’t have an event because of numbers. Last, week one person came to the altar crying, give her life to Christ and join the body of Christ – that brought joy to my heart. I didn’t say it was just one.
5. What are we saying to the world when we close our doors? What message is being communicated about the birth of Christ through close doors? The Church has been silence too many times when it should be celebrating and making some noise.
With that said, this year with Christmas Day falling on a Sunday – The Lord’s Day, churches and Christian families will have to “choose this day” whom they are going to serve. Either they will cater to the traditions of a secular Christmas morning and forego church, or make worship on that day primary and traditions secondary.
As for our church and as for me and my house, I suppose we will choose that day to do what we do when Easter falls on a Sunday. We will serve the Lord and celebrate Him at church.
Greater Bethel Church will be open on Sunday, December 25th this Christmas morning. We’re encouraging our membership:
- To be present before you open presents
- To celebrate the gift before you open a gift
- To give the gift of worship to the Christ-child before you give a gift to your child
- To open your heart to the greatest gift before you open you hand to any other gift
- And come gather around the cradle before you gather around the tree
“Christmas, is Jesus’ Birthday,” my oldest granddaughter says.
Have a Merry Christmas!
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