Christmas Quandary

"Canceling worship on Christmas Day appears to be predominantly a megachurch phenomenon, sociologists of religion say." [see http://www.getreligion.org/?p=1242 ]

I pastor a church that doesn't even meet on Sundays. In fact, we encourage our people to observe seasons and symbols at all times. Even if we did meet on Sunday, we would certainly consider taking it off (not to mention the building we rent won't be open - neither will thousands of rented buildings that churches use - there goes the theory that only mega-churches are not holding a Sunday service this Christmas). In fact, I wouldn't be suprised if Jesus would have taken it off. As the quintessential incarnate, I bet he would have been watching NFL football with a bunch of guys and laughing it up, facing the flabbergasted inquiries of those who thought they had the system figured out.

I find this argument about celebrating on Sunday, quite... well, confusing. I am often suprised at the voracity of people's opinions about it. I would consider a gathering of twelve spending time together reflecting on the Christmas story and saying prayers of thanks to the Father for giving his Son much more of an ancient practice then listening to handbells, watching some powerpoint and listening to a short homily. It takes much more work and usually culminates in better worship (albeit different)to commemorate Jesus' birth at home, in a contextualized family language.

I am in process here, but how's this for an example. My family is planning on hiking on Christmas morning and stopping at designated areas. There we will bring out pre-selected objects or songs that help to illustrate the message and repercussions of Jesus birth. A sort of "Stations of Christmas" walk.

If I went to Saddleback or even my 40 member church, or even an Orthodox church that meets in an ancient building, I would rather I and other members of my community do that then schlepp to the church, daydream about what's in the oven and then go home as fast as they can. And I am not here saying that I don't believe in the value of large groups of community coming together in a blessed ritual to bless God. But is God really up in Heaven (and in people's hearts, by the way), saying, "I feel dishonered because they are not meeting in their big building and singing those catchy Christmas songs."

I am, of course, being a bit sarcastic. But I do feel the punches that are being pulled by the Christian Christmas Nazis, and it isn't helping me find the ancient path.

All this energy spent discussing whether or not to have a Sunday service is hilarious. How about, "This is a non-essential!" Worship is everyday, all the time - yes communal, and YES private. It has been that way for thousands of years. This discussion about correct Christmas religiosity is naseating, and pricely the kind of talk that really stuck in Jesus craw' - especially when it is causing division. I love the Orthodox Church. I love the Catholic Church. AND, I love the Protestant church. All are important, all are needed, but why try to convince each other that our tradition, or lack thereof is paramount?