While there is no set of new testament commandments requiring an assembly to take place, and while we are to accept no man's judging us regarding a sabbath or a holy season, there is a counterproductive message sent by closing one's doors on Christmas Sunday.
It really does give the impression of secular expediency.
If, however, these churches choose that route, they do not sin, but it is certain, as well, that they are terribly shortsighted.
The Bible says, Do not forsake the gathering together with fellow beleivers. These churhces have decided to "focus on the family" rather than "focus on Christ."
Priorities used to be God, family... Now it's Family, maybe God.
This is a tempest in a teapot. Quite frankly I have no intention of going to Church on Christmas Day. Our Church is having 4 Christmas Eve Services and one Christmas morning service and I will be attending one of the Christmas eve services?
I will not judge those who choose for whatever logistical or spiritual reason to close on Christmas Day. Personally, I'm going to be closed on Christmas Day.
Frankly, I suspect that many of those who are critical of Pastors Weese and Coy will choose to attend Christmas Eve services and skip the morning Christmas service at their own churches. Yet here they are tossing stones.
"Oh, but OUR Church would NEVER think of closing on Christmas day!!" "OUR Church is better than THEIR Church!" Of course they themselves won't be there on Christmas morning but certainly they take comfort in the fact that their pastor and all their church volunteers all have to drag themselves out of bed at 5 AM on Christmas morning and drag themselves to the sanctuaries to serve them, even though they probably won't be there to watch.