Our Stories
A Different Type of Church Service
By Keith Ferrin | posted 12/24/2008
But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11)
Just got done with church. Not exactly the church service we were expecting though. What I was expecting was to be at Redmond Junior High, having a cup of coffee, and chatting with other Creeksiders about how wonderful/fun/funny/inspiring the children's Christmas program was. (It's just after 11am as I type this.) But it's a little tough to have church at the Jr. High when the district has told us we can't be in the building!
Instead, we had church at home. We decided to read and talk about the "gifts" on the paper ring chain we got from Creekside (thanks Stacey). We talked about how Jesus brought us new life (I Cor. 5), identity (I Peter 2), hope (Romans 15), provision (Philippians 4), and a whole host of other gifts. Of course, before we started, Sarah said, "Can you get out your guitar and sing some songs, just like at Creekside. Pleeeeease Daddy." Out came the guitar.
The last thing we did was to get out an old advent calendar where each day is a different Bible verse telling the Christmas story. We read ‘em all! Immediately upon completion of the advent calendar, Sarah blurted out, "Time for Caleb and I to go back there." Hmmm? "Yeah Dad. It's time for Children's Church." And off they went.
So...now my youngest is sleeping (a gift in and of itself), and my wife and kids are hanging out, minutes away from heading outside for some snowman building. And I'm still having church. Sitting at my kitchen table, mug filled with coffee, looking out into my backyard where God has placed a stunningly beautiful blanket of snow...yet another gift.
There is something about being forced to slow down that has made this Christmas season a little more peaceful than in years past. While I hope the roads are safe for all the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities, I also pray this sense of peace continues to blanket us all. May we keep in mind the words of the angel, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." Amen.
Have a very, merry Christmas
Keith
To respond to this message, email Keith at keith@thatyoumayknow.com.
Keith Ferrin is founder of That You May Know Ministries.
