by William Cowles
Like
many of you who are traveling or still looking for a new church during Christmas, Reba and I each will be attending unfamiliar churches on Christmas
Eve. Now we’ve always advised church searchers that Christmas is NOT the best
time to evaluate a church’s long-term relationship potential because this is
when churches are on their best behavior and dressed to impress. But, even still, the
Christmas season is one of the best times for a guaranteed good visit filled
with familiar and meaningful experiences.
Here are five ways we make a Christmas church visit a meaningful celebration of God’s gift to the world, and we know they’ll work for you, too…
1. Bask in
the friendliness of strangers. There’s no other time of year when even
grumpy people act friendly to strangers. It’s your best shot ever to be greeted
warmly, welcomed heartily, and hosted graciously. It’s one of the times of year
that churches truly expect guests to show up, so they’re all on their best
behavior. Take advantage of their hospitality because cheerful givers need to
have cheerful receivers!
2. Let the
music stir your soul. Christmas carols (hymns) are universally recognized
and easily singable. You hear them in the malls and on the street. But, when
you’re singing them together with a group of believers, magic happens. You not
only hear the music, you feel it deep within. And it feels good; very good.
3. Admire
the décor. Churches love to “hang the greens.” Many have special wreaths
and banners. Lots of poinsettia plants. Manger scenes, decorated trees, satin
bows, glitzy lights, velvet ribbons. It all comes out at Christmas and it’s a
feast for the eyes. Bask in the warm glow of a scene that’s intended to bring
you pleasure and comfort. Take pictures, if you want.
4. Feast on
the refreshments – physical and spiritual! Hospitality is a well-founded,
biblically based Christian tradition. There will be cookies. And you’ll
certainly find coffee, tea, hot chocolate, wassail, or some other tasty treats.
The good folks of the church went to a lot of trouble to trot out their best
recipes and practice their incredible baking skills. Honor those gifts. Help
yourself and praise the givers. You will make them feel good, and that’s good
for their souls.
5. Marvel at
the mysterious story being told. Who knows for sure? Humans don’t, despite
their scholarly research and fervent opinions. Announcing angels? Virgin
motherhood? Guiding stars? Shepherds and Kings? We believe because we have
faith. Even if you’re not sure you believe it all or not, it’s a great story
and usually told in drama with cute kids and sometimes live animals – and
admission is free! Enjoy the show.
Frankly, we’re most pleasantly surprised when we haven’t
gone into a new church with a lot of pre-set expectations. When we do as they
do, pray as they pray, sing as they sing – that’s when we receive their
greatest gifts. Of course we want you eventually to narrow your church choices
to one that will be a good long-term fit for you and your spiritual growth
journey. But, we also want you to be part of the magic of Christmas, and that
happens not at parties and malls, but only at church.
We’ll see you at church this Christmas! And, watch for our blogs to resume in the New Year!
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