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More than 90% of the 195 countries recognized by the United Nations recognize Christmas as a holiday celebrating the birth of Christ. The earliest evidence dates back to c. In 200 AD, Christmas was recognized in Africa as a festival celebrated by gathering followers of Jesus.
After 1,800 years of Christians coming together to celebrate Christmas, a vocal but numerous minority church in the United States plans to close and not offer services on Christmas Day.
The New York Times recently cited “meeting people where they are”, “leading with love”, “candid realism”, and “inspiring this generation of Pharisees” as reasons for skipping the service. I don’t want to be.” The article highlighted his 61% of the nondenominational pastor’s plan to “opt out” of churches on Christmas Sunday.
Why is so much of our wisdom about the Three Wise Men in the Christmas story actually wrong?
As a New Testament scholar, historian, and father of five children, here are five reasons I want these pastors to reconsider.
1. Our word “Christmas” literally means “Christ’s Mass”
in old English Christ Mass It appears in various forms in the early twelfth century (c. 1123) as a descriptor for the special Mass celebrated on that holy day.
The first use of Christmas is in 1568 for the Mass of Christ. Saint Francis of Assis (1181–1226) should be known for creating the first Christmas works and popularizing the nativity scene.
To illustrate the significance of Christ’s birth, Assis was given permission to show the manger scene with the Midnight Mass at Grecchio. He used Matthew’s wise men, Luke’s shepherds, and live animals.
Assisi’s vision came true, and for the past 800 years, Christians have gathered on Christmas Day to strengthen their devotion to Jesus.
A Christmas without the Mass of Christ betrays great traditions and the legacy of faith, runs counter to history and makes no sense.
2. Attending Christmas church is not “legalistic”
Attending church services on Christmas Sunday with family and friends is not the same as legalism. The New York Times article mentioned legalism, which many readers may not be familiar with.
Legalism is defined as excessive adherence to rules. Did you know that without leap years, Christmas would fall on a Sunday once every seven years? And finally, every 6 years there is a cyclical Sunday at 28 year intervals.
Christmas Isn’t Just For Christians: Why
Virtue cues are pervasive in our culture and, sadly, becoming more popular in churches. not (i.e. legal). Taking the family to church and meeting friends on Christmas Sunday is a beautiful tradition of Christendom.
3. Encourage those who are lonely and sad
If you lost someone special this year, Christmas will look and feel different. Thank God. If you are worshiping with your family this year, please find someone in your congregation who may be alone or ask them to sit with you.
Here’s how a beloved Christmas tradition, the nursery, came from humble beginnings
Jesus’ favorite command recorded in the Bible is “Fear not,” and thanks to the gospel promises of Christmas, we have a sure hope of being reunited with our loved ones. But thanks to Christmas, it’s only temporary.
Churches that are open on Christmas Day play an important mental health role in our society by serving those who feel forgotten, invisible, or neglected by society. In fact, as we face a deepening mental health crisis in America, churches have more than a few opportunities to be part of the healing equation by not closing churches on Christmas Day. .
4. Continuing a legacy of faith
This Sunday, December 25th, our 10 year old son, Justin, will be baptized at our local church in a special Christmas service at Prestonwood Baptist Church. In fact, I have the privilege of baptizing Justin. Christmas will be a special day for Justin and his 14 other christening candidates. Because they “publish” the baptism of believers in faith on Christmas Day. The young person touches his mobile phone 2,000 times a day and reads his messages on 10,000 media outlets.
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Don’t worry moms and dads, your kids can survive 60 minutes of Christmas worship. Regardless of tradition, denomination or creed, don’t miss the opportunity to remind your family that without the birth of Christ there would have been no Christmas.
If you are considering canceling your contract, please consider doing so.
5. Embrace Creativity and Diversity at Christmas Worship
At the height of the Civil War, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the lyrics to “Christmas Bells” on Christmas Day 1863.
After losing his wife in a fire and his son wounding several others in battle, his words ring true. win. ”
Although that number has declined since 2016, Lifeway Research found that 84% of Protestant pastors in the United States say their church will hold services this Christmas.
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However, Christmas services can be flexible and innovative. For example, after having His 10 Christmas His Eve services in English and Spanish, our church has decided that He will have 1 shortened midnight service on every campus on Christmas Day. increase.
We have encouraged our congregation to come in pajamas if desired, but still.Our Christmas bells will ring on Sunday morning on Christmas Day. How we need to hear the Christmas bells this Sunday in an increasingly alienated and divided world.
Click here to read more about Jeremiah J. Johnston
