A Place to Prepare
As a child, getting ready for Christmas meant braving the wind and cold each Wednesday evening for Advent services. Cloaked in scarves, mittens, and sometimes snow-covered hats and boots, we’d stomp and brush off before entering the sanctuary in silence.
The dimmed and cozy lighting invited each parishioner into warmth and worship. Near the altar, a horizontal wreath displayed one pink and three purple candles. The flickering wicks cast strange shadows on the darkened, gothic stained-glassed windows, yet the evening services were anything but scary. Rather, they brought joy and anticipation as we counted down the weeks: four-three-two-one—until finally—Christmas Eve! Each Advent worship service with its evergreen visual helped prepare our hearts and minds for Christ’s first and second coming.
We often consider how to prepare for Christmas but rarely discuss where we can best prepare. Oh, we may squeeze in Bible reading now and then at home, but with so much to do and places to go, midweek services—and often Sundays—are squeezed out. Of course much of what we do is good and for the benefit of others. We can’t imagine cutting any of it!
The early church must have faced similar challenges as Paul reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24,25 ESV). Note how Paul urges us to love and serve one another in addition to gathering regularly with other believers.
Did you know most U.S. churches lost roughly 30% of their membership during and after the pandemic? Today, many people prefer to “watch from the couch” or have become disconcerted by organized religion and refuse to return.
Why is church the best place to prepare? Isn’t reading the Bible and praying at home just as effective? Of course our personal time with Jesus is important, we need time alone with the Lord, yet Christian fellowship is essential. We need one another.
A friend recently arrived to an evening service visibly upset. Both her father and a brother were ill. This sister in Christ, who believed her brother might not make it through the night, came to church anyway. Why? She needed to be in God’s presence. She knew her church family would pray with her. My friend’s brother entered his eternal rest that night. In her text to me the next day she shared, “I have been at peace about him since we prayed.”
Today, when I see Advent wreaths in churches and classrooms, my thoughts turn back to those cherished childhood memories. Retreating to the Lord’s house during this hectic season brings calm to my heart and peace to my soul.
Friend, how we prepare for Christ’s birth and His second coming is important. But where we prepare has equal value. Allow yourself the luxury of gathering with other believers in the presence of Christ to uplift and sustain you. Indeed, we prepare best for Him by being with Him in His house.
Share a special December memory in the comments.
How will you worship this Christmas?
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