"If this year is like every other year in recent memory, United Methodist conegations will see a marked increase in attendance on Christmas Eve. The estimates are general, but taken together they provide a striking range: most Protestant churches see somewhere between a 70-200% increase in church attendance on December 24. It is easy to assume that most people attend worship on Christmas Eve because of their faith, but what REALLY brings so many out just one time each year? Here are some reflections from a 2006 survey of once-a-year church attenders in UMCs.
Why do you come to church on Christmas Eve?
family — this is what my family does (tradition) and I want to be with family (30%)
music — I love the Christmas music and want to sing the familiar and favorite songs (22%)
experience — I love the songs, the candles, the story, the feeling (16%)
focus — Christmas has gotten so crazy; I like the clear focus on the reason for the season (12%)
habit — we do this every year (11%)
faith — this is the most special and important event in my faith; I wait all year for this (5%)
other — friends asked me, I got an invitation in the mail, I just decided to, etc. "
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Worship
As we make our way to Christmas and the daylight hours become fewer, we long for the light to shine into our lives. We remember and we hope. The moods of this time are a mixture of surprise and assurance. These become part of the great expectations of those who come to worship and give us focus as we plan for our services. What is it that we need to do to allow this to be an authentic celebration of the birth of Christ? With all this in mind Dan Dick’s blog caught my attention.
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3 comments:
I read this on Christmas Eve. I worshipped three times tonight, with people I have never seen before in my life. I may not see them again until next year. I pause to think of how worship leaders and regular church folk regard the CE people, how we look at them as opportunities lost or found, and I wonder if things would be different if we looked at them as brothers and sisters.
Jean, I wish I had time to comment properly, but tomorrow I preach at two churches (God has blessed me twice!), and then fly to Maryland to visit my children and grand-children. I will check in upon my return. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MAY GOD BLESS YOUR NEW YEAR!
Hi Rev. Jean,
I was blessed to attend church Christmas Eve and Day (since I was put on-call at work and never had to go in) with my in-laws and other Setzer family. The newest member of the Setzer family, Lyla, was baptized Christmas Day also, so it was very special to be able to be there. Trevor and I enjoyed having my parents and youngest sister with us this weekend and we enjoyed attending church toegher today at FUMC...and I was glad to see you and wave! (smile) I hope your Christmas was special and may you and your family have a blessed New Year. Love, Maria
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