When we wake up on Christmas morning, what will be looking for? Will we be getting together around the tree so we can hear the story of the birth of Jesus, as if it is the greatest gift we could ever receive? Is our first thought about Jesus, the Word of God who came into the world to shine a bright light into the crushing darkness of human sinfulness? Or will our first thoughts on Christmas morning be about which presents by that tree are for us, or how soon we need to get the turkey in the oven, and will the children will be happy with what Santa brought?

I know it can be hard to speak out against this culture’s take-over of this holy day. Am I coming across as a bit of a Scrooge to even say such a thing. But the present of Christ, born into the world! How can we not call people to testify to that light, the Word of God made flesh? For we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth!

Everything else pales in comparison to this gift, don’t you think? I know you do, or you wouldn’t be in the job of preaching the gospel.

So if you aren’t having church on Christmas Day, (we at Youghal Methodist Church are @ 9:30am) what can you do as a pastor or church leader, to remind your congregation that the greatest gift they will receive this day and every day is the gift of salvation brought by the birth, life, death, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Remind them.

Find a way.