| As a minister, I often hear statements like the following this time of year: I bet you’re extra busy with church work! Or, When is your Christmas program? Or, Will you have an early service on Christmas eve? I’m always a bit conflicted as to the best response to these questions.
Our simple plea in the Restoration Movement is to “Speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent,” and to “To do ‘Bible things’ in Bible ways.” The Bible is wholly silent when it comes to the setting aside of any day other than Sunday in the Christian dispensation. Yet, the religious world around us holds up December 25th as the traditional time for celebrating the birth of Jesus. A few important principles come into play when we think about a religious observance of Christmas. First, we must remember that by way of command, example, and implication, God has given us the form and function of worship in the New Testament (recall our sermon series, “Fixed in the Heavens” from July of this year; sermons are available on our YouTube page). Second, we must recognize the extent of our freedom to shape the content of the worship service. While it would be sinful to introduce any unauthorized elements into the worship service (skits, instruments, etc.), it is not inappropriate to select a particular biblical theme or emphasis for a period of worship. We often coordinate the Scripture reading, hymn selection, and sermon subject on a given day as a matter of teaching. Since the Bible teaches about the birth of Jesus, we certainly have the freedom to emphasize it on a Sunday. Finally, we must consider the employment of wisdom in emphasizing a particular subject. Some say that talking about the Lord’s birth in late December makes it appear as though we are a denomination, no different from the various manmade religious groups around us. Others say that most attendees will already have the birth of Jesus in mind, so focusing on it allows us to take advantage of the moment and teach, perhaps even correcting common misconceptions. While we may differ on matters of wisdom, we must not do so in a way that violates God’s teaching in Scripture. If we prayerfully adhere to these principles, taking care not to violate our consciences (see Romans 14:23), we may conclude what is the appropriate practice in our setting. Whatever we conclude, we must worship the Lord in spirit and truth on the first day of the week. Clay Leonard
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Commentary for the Sermon on the Mount
