From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
In the midst of all upheaval, crisis, difficulty, problems, and fear comes the true message of Christmas with all of its hope, goodwill, and cheer. The message of Christmas has been terribly misapplied and misunderstood for many years. Some think of business profits, shopping, gifts, tinsel, toys, and celebration. Others think only of Bethlehem, of the star in the sky, shepherds in the field, and angels singing. Still others cynically ask, “Where is this Prince of Peace in a world filled with so much trouble?” More Here
A Lifeway Research study finds U.S. adults are split on whether they’ll be at church sometime this Christmas.
By Aaron Earls
As Americans make their Christmas plans, slightly less than half say they usually attend a church service during the holiday season.
A Lifeway Research study finds U.S. adults are split on whether they’ll be at church sometime this Christmas—47% say they typically attend church at Christmastime, while 48% say they do not, and 5% aren’t sure.
“The very name ‘Christmas’ originates in the church’s celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. In the mid-14th century, the words ‘Christ’s Mass’ were first merged as a single term for this celebration,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “While 9 in 10 Americans do something to celebrate Christmas, less than half typically attend church at Christmastime today.” More Here
Billy Graham once stated: Attending Christmas services on Christmas Day is important because it’s a dedicated day to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure of the Christian faith, and to reflect on the message of hope and love that his birth signifies; essentially, it’s a time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas beyond the material aspects of the holiday.
