By now you have got your Christmas Eve and Day plans set. I’m wondering: is attending church a part of it?
I just saw on Facebook an article about bringing children to church on Christmas Eve (Or Day) so that they can hear the reading from Luke of the birth of Jesus. Children can take in the candlelight and hear the music. They can experience an important part of the holiday. Today’s advent word is church.
I grew up as a pastor’s kid, going to church every Christmas Eve. It was THE central part of it all. I grew up knowing about the baby Jesus. I know it’s ‘old fashioned’ now but I never had Santa Claus emphasized in our house. There was no ‘Elf on a Shelf.’ Christmas was about God’s son. Back then I didn’t think too much about it. I was a kid doing what our family did. But, now, looking back, I’m glad I was raised that way.
A lot of children today know about Santa, and the Elf that moves around the house, but they don’t know about the baby Jesus. They love the presents, and the candy. They are excited for sure – about all the ‘extras’ but they miss the main point.
Are you a parent, or grandparent? How will you make this Christmas about Christ?
Will you get to church? Many churches now have services especially for children. If you are local, my church, St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, in Pawleys Island, has two services on Christmas Eve – one at 4:00pm, one at 7:00pm. Churches everywhere will have their doors open! Google the ones near you. Find one and give it a try. I can guarantee you will not be sorry.
Growing up I remember that our church had a sign out front that could be changed – listing service times, sermon titles, etc. I always remember the phrase on it that said “ch- – ch means nothing if u-r not in it. “ This Christmas seems like a good time for ‘u’ to walk into church.
Marla’s Musings 