Controversial Disbelief

FYI - You may disagree with what I'm about to say here, but I'm posting it because it's been on my mind all evening. I am open to comments and your point of view if you'd be willing to share.

This evening my father reported to me that a local church would not be hosting Christmas day church service; therefore, we would not be following the tradition of attending Christmas Eve service at this particular church. I wasn't sure how to respond. I was speechless and lost in the thoughts that flooded my mind. A Christian church not having service on Christmas day??? I stood in disbelief, not sure whether to be angry or let it slide. 

Later, there was discussion on the radio with listeners' comments about churches cancelling church services Christmas day. There were comments both approving and disapproving. I didn't listen long in my less than 5 minute drive, but I did hear two comments that got me thinking.

1. God doesn't call for organized religion. He calls for a relationship with Him. Without a church service worship can be done in a family setting Christmas day.

2. Christ is the reason we celebrate, and the Christian church was formed because of belief in Christ. Therefore, the church should take advantage of the opportunity to corporately celebrate His birth.

I personally, believe that cancelling church on Christmas is absolutely ridiculous. The whole reason I attend church is because I believe in the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ. I feel that it is a privilege that Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, and I want nothing more than to attend church and worship the Lord with other believers on this very important day in history. The day my Savior was born, the very reason my life has purpose and meaning. 

Just last weekend I asked my parents how Christmas would work this year hoping they would say that they planned to attend church on Sunday morning. My mom responded by saying we'd attend Christmas Eve service somewhere as usual as well as on Sunday. She later told me we'd need to figure out when we will open gifts. Either we wake up extra early and open them before church or we wait until after church. My response was that it didn't matter to me, as long as we have Christmas breakfast and attend church :)

My thoughts may not be well written, or you may disagree with me. But please, whatever your thoughts are, let's not forget the true reason for the season. It's not about spending tons of money or opening that gift you been waiting months to hold in your hand. Honestly, while it's fun to be with family, even family isn't why we celebrate. CHRIST is the reason for Christmas, and HE is the best give we could ever be given.