Christmas Eve reflections

I titled this Christmas Eve reflections but it just turned midnight and it is now Christmas morning! Merry Christmas!

I just finished wrapping some Christmas gifts and I've had some Christmas Eve services on the TV. One was a Methodist Church in New York and the program was called "A Christmas for Everyone". The emphasis was on God's love and his acceptance of everyone. The music was classical in nature. The pastor had long gray hair and the program began with several people from different faiths talking about how accepting God is of everyone. Lots of emphasis on God's love very little acknowledgement that we need forgiveness, that Jesus is Savior and that's why He came.

Now I've got "Christmas Eve at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome" on the tube. Lots of old guys in big hats and fancy robes. The music is classical. The service is in Latin. There is an interpreter speaking over the audio of the service. They just showed a congregation shot and the folks looked bored. I know I am!

I'm experiencing mixed emotions tonight. Following our Christmas Eve service, I felt I may have over-reached with the music selections. Each of the carols we sang tonight had a modern chorus added to them. The arrangements were for a praise band. Then we had several video elements in the service. I know for some the service was probably too contemporary. Yet I watch these traditional services and it feels so religious. I love creating an environment were people who are nothing like Jesus perhaps for the first time find that they like Jesus. A place where people realize that Jesus likes people who are nothing like Him. A place where no perfect people are allowed. A place where people who don't really like church may discover a church that they like. A place where people come as they are but don't stay that way.

So I try to create services that are engaging and relevant. I don't mean to offend those who prefer high church experiences. It's just not for me. I know for many it is what helps them move closer to Jesus. But I believe I am called to create a church that unchurched people love.

Well, I'm tried and this guy interpreting the Latin of the service for me is getting on my nerves. It all feels very holy but it feels so inaccessible to me. It is all very beautiful but so distant.

I've got nothing against traditional church services. There are several things I've appreciated in both of these services, one being how many people are involved in the service. Neither service has been a one man show as my services can sometimes become.

Give me a Christmas Eve service with some guitar chords, contemporary versions of carols, a brief message, and reading Luke 2 in English. "If you want to reach people that no one else is reaching, you've got to do things that no one else is doing."

Posted via email from Out in the Sticks