I have no opinion as to this decision. If that's what the congregation wants to do, so be it.
There is nothing magical or righteous by celebrating the birth of our Savior with one's buttocks warming a pew.
It's not the celebration of Christmas that's at issue. It's the celebration of the Lord's day which happens to fall on Christmas. They let the holiday mean more than the Lord's day, and THAT is what has caused the fuss.
I doubt it's the entire congregation. And if not, what kind of a message does this send to folks who'd like to attend?
The most beautiful hymns ever heard by our Lord begin with the sound of the leaves of the Bible being rustled by a congregation searching for His Word.
Or opening presents delivered by a nonexistent fat man wearing a red suit.
I don't really care what this congregation does either. I think they would do better to deliver gifts of food and blankets/heaters to folks in need. But maybe they are going to do that on another day. I don't find the preacher's arguments to be all that compelling, however.
"There is nothing magical or righteous by celebrating the birth of our Savior with one's buttocks warming a pew."
There is also nothing magical or righteous about warming a pew with one's buttocks just because it is Sunday.
Christians and Christmas are under assualt and you would think we could stick to basic principles.....
this pastor is just covering his arse.....
furthermore, there is nothing magical about Sundays when you get right down to it......my brother told me that Sundays for Mass/worship was picked more out of a need to differentiate from the Jews rather than anything bibical....and I always believe my bro......