Thursday, December 19, 2013

The Five Best Reasons to Visit a Church at Christmas!



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.

When we visit new churches at Christmas, we leave our microscopes at home. Instead of evaluating whether or not their beliefs match their behaviors, and assessing their relative strengths and weaknesses at serving God’s will in their communities, we simply join other Christians in a unified celebration of the origin of our faith. With any church you visit, you’ll find people praising God for the gift of Christ and remembering how our salvation began. Spirits are high, music is joyous, and the sermons are hopeful. So, this Christmas, indulge in the gifts that churches offer during this season of celebration.

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.

So, what are you waiting for? Accept your extended family’s invitation. Check out your local Christmas Eve offerings. Call a friend. 

We’ll see you at church this Christmas! And, watch for our blogs to resume in the New Year!

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