Sunday, December 17, 2023
“Skipping with Guilt”
Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Almost all of the population could care less about that little factoid. What most people will care about is that they have a full week of shopping before Christmas arrives, giving them one more excuse to skip church.
I’m often amused by the excuses people give me for skipping church, especially during Christmas or Easter. One of the things that make me chuckle is that non-churchgoers will use the term “Skipping”, indicating that they know better. As soon as I hear that term, I know that this person has experienced some amount of church involvement, otherwise, they wouldn’t feel guilty about “Skipping it”.
Today, the weather on the island is questionable. I know that reality will prohibit a few folks from attending church today. They won’t be Skipping church. Instead, they’re making an informed decision about health and safety. That’s important, as are the number of people who are struggling with health concerns. It’s important to take care of oneself, and in the process, we might be protecting others by not bringing a contagious illness to the church.
Others who live on the island (or in the area) will Skip church because it’s easier to stay home. Oh, they might use the weather as an excuse, but I’m sure that by noon today, they’ll be dressed and ready to go shopping or to lunch somewhere.
Others who Skip church today will Skip because they just don’t want to go. That’s the reason that makes the most sense. Their argument likely arises from personal experience that led them to believe that church can’t help anything. I get that one…I believe that person is wrong, but I understand it and I’m hoping they walk through some church doors today.
I’m hoping that you don’t Skip church today without a good reason. I can’t Skip or it would be noticed. If you Skip, it may be noticed, but more than likely, everyone who attends will be so wrapped up in their own issues they won’t notice. So, yes, it’s easier for you to Skip than it is for me.
However, I do know this: If you decide to attend worship somewhere today, God will speak to you. Whether it’s through music, a special prayer, Holy Scripture, or a moment of inspiration during a spoken message, God will try to reach you. If you Skip church, God is still going to try and speak to you, but you may not be as receptive in the store, restaurant, or recliner. There’s something about hearing it in church that helps God’s voice come through more clearly. (Gotta Skip? Here’s a way you can attend at 10 am EST and anytime afterward!) https://longboatislandchapel.org/streaming/
It’s Christmastime. Don’t Skip unless you have a valid excuse. The stores and restaurants will still be open when you’re done and the crowds won’t be any worse. Attending church today might be the best gift you can give to yourself. If you don’t go, you’ll never know.
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. God always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:22-25, The Message)