Posted on 12/22/2011 8:54:43 AM PST by NoDRodee
But as it does occasionally, Christmas Day falls on a Sunday and Bridges’ church, First Baptist of Atlanta, will hold its weekly church services on Saturday — Christmas Eve — instead of Sunday, a practice that is becoming more common here and across the country.
Putting Christmas holiday over attending Church on 1st day of week, odd.
My church is having Christmas service. We did decide to cancel Sunday school, both adult and children but we are going to come together to fellowship and worship our Lord on His day.
Merry CHRISTmas.
My church (in Dunwoody) is not having service on Dec 25. But our Friday night service is still on.
thanks and Marry Christmas to you.
We took different approach. spend family time on Saturday so we would miss services on Sunday.
We can’t let Jesus get in the way of our celebration.
If that isn’t the best example of cart before the horse in the history of Christianity, then I don’t know what tops it.
Hmmmmm.....Easter falls on Sunday, too...doesn’t it?
:>)
We are having Christmas Eve service and our regular service on Sunday. That sounds so bizarre, canceling church service because of Christmas.
correction
We took different approach. spend family time on Saturday so we would NOT miss services on Sunday
My church is doing both a 7:00 p.m. service Saturday and a 10:00 a.m. on Christmas day.
I have never and will never understand churches that hold Easter egg hunts.
I always understood they were held in order to boost fertility among the participants.
I question the author's, editor's, and publisher's motives.
Sounds kind of topsy turvy to me. Folks staying home from church so that their celebration of the birth of Christ won’t be disturbed...
Our Deacon told our Pastor last night that he estimates that 40% of those who attend Midnight Mass are sober.
And not many more than that are actual Catholics. I used to be the Usher Captain at my parish and always worked Midnight Mass. No more. I'll go to Mass Christmas morning and avoid that craziness.
It's not about the Easter Bunny - nor is it really celebrating the resurrection of our savior. But, what it really is, is taking an opportunity to bring families together in a safe and fun event for the kids; and building ties and relationships within the adults of the church.
IMHO, one of the greatest failings in the Christian community (I'm talking all denominations here), is that the church community does not focus as much energy as it should, in fostering friendships amongst it's membership. Face it, your church has a lot of like-minded individuals (some very good folk, some mediocure fols, some folk may not be your cup of tea) - but aside from a couple hours on Sunday - do you really see them? Do you interact with the person who sits next to you in your pew? Do you know his first name, his hobbies, his skills, his needs? Do you know him well enough, that you could call him and ask him to help you move something, or does he know you well enough to ask for help - should he need it?
This is very important, because living a Christ-like life is rough; and having a friend you can turn to, not only blesses you, but it blesses him as well. There is no greater job, than being of service to an individual who needs help. And there are few greater blessings than dear friends you can turn to, when things go horribly wrong.
IMHO, the Easter Egg hunts are a way of fostering this sort of thing; and for this, should be commended.
I’ve noticed over the past few years that local (VA) churches have had several Chritmas Eve services, but nothing on Christmas Day. I suppose it’s so the ministers can have the holiday with their families following a very busy season. Still, it does seem odd.
Here, here. A fine comment.
Now I am having to restrain from commenting on the 40% sober comment at a Midnight Mass . . .
Especially regarding Irish Catholics . . . :)
And I will be at such a Mass, just like the last whoknowshowmany years . . . at least I will get a seat as I am in the choir . . .
I don’t understand this “time with the family” excuse. I consider the time I spend with my family in Church to be some of the best family time.
“I question the author’s, editor’s, and publisher’s motives.”
They never miss a chance to take a pot shot at a Christian.
One might not be able to go to church on Christmas Sunday, but you can rest assured you will be able to attend just about any major department store on that day. Real nice.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.