Monday, Dec 23, 2024
“A Prayer for Two Days Before Christmas”
Two days before Christmas is really important for lots of reasons, but especially important for everyone who works in a church. Two days before Christmas means that today is the last day to prepare for Christmas Eve.
All the work of the last few weeks and months is now about to be finalized. Bulletins are being printed. Volunteers are being recruited. Worship centers and sanctuaries are being cleaned, organized, and prepped for the big day. Christmas Eve is tomorrow, meaning that we have a little more time (but not much)!
Christmas Eve is important at Church! One reason is that many non-churchgoers will decide to attend. Now, I don’t mean to preach, but consider how a first-time visitor is received on Christmas Eve. Will they feel welcome or will they feel lost, confused, or awkward? What will your church look, feel, and sound like?
This is a crucial statement. Unchurched people are not necessarily worried about theology, a strong sermon, perfect music, or a pretty bulletin. New people on Christmas Eve are often looking for something special that they cannot experience elsewhere. Something (we call it the Holy Spirit) has steered them to Church, and plenty of times, the visitors themselves couldn’t explain why they were there.
As church-going folks, we can do a lot for new people who will attend tomorrow night. Welcoming people with a smile, handshake, and friendly introduction goes a long way. Asking them if they’ve even been there doesn’t help. You already know they are new so try to avoid putting them in a situation that makes them feel awkward. Point out the restrooms and the refreshments. And best of all, invite them to come back sometime soon.
We have 24 hours to gear up for Christmas Eve worship. We’ve already made our plans to attend somewhere but most people are wrestling with the decision of whether to attend worship tomorrow. Pray for them. Pray that they respond to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Pray that God leads them to you tomorrow. And, finally, when you see them on Christmas Eve, give them some Christmas love. Welcome them as God would want us to. Just a little love and kindness goes a long, long way.
“And the jailer took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.” (Acts 16:33-34, ESV)