posted
Merry Christmas David!!! And everyone else! This has been such an encouraging place for me as a new house churcher!!! Thank you David- and all who make this site happen!!!
I have an encouraging story from last night. The other families who meet with us are all traveling for the holidays, so our church meeting was Glen and I, our 4 kids, and a neighbor who comes occasionally. The kids were complaining that the normal group wasn't there so why did we have to do church this week? We sang some christmas carols and then decided just to have a time of sharing and prayer. When prayer time came, again there was complaints- do we have to pray?- No, we will just pray and anyone can pray as they feel led to. We bowed our heads and it was as if the Holy Spirit came accross all 4 of our kids at once- Our 12 yr old oppened us up, then or 10, 8 and 14 yr olds prayed-and they just kept going between them- the 3 adults there barely had opportunity to break in! Even as my husband was closing, our 8 yr old son had one more thing to add, so it was he who actually closed. And their prayers were amazing! They prayed for neighbors and friends, and for their own spiritual growth! It was an unexpected Christmas blessing!!! Then later that night my 14 yr old asked if we had to go to a Christmas eve service at a regular church (we are planning to). She said that when we started our home church she thought it was wierd and didn't like it, but now when she attends a traditional church she thinks it is wierd to just sit and listen to a sermon and not be able to say anything. She said she really does learn a lot more being able to interact.- Yet another Christmas blessing!!! Thank you Lord!!!!!
I am praying for unexpected Christmas blessings for all of you as well!!
My son and I drove to visit my folks for Christmas. Last night we went with them to their IC's Christmas Eve service.
I have to bite my tongue and try to not be critical. I'm reminded that it wasn't that long ago I was very much involved in the IC format. But what we experienced was a performance and not church. The difference between this service (and lots like it) and going to the movies or a concert or some other performance, was very little. We came in, those on the stage performed, we joined with them on a few songs, and a man spoke and taught. We sat and listened. Just like watching a performance.
If we understand that we're going to a performace, great! But if this is what we're going to call church...well, uh...no. But I doubt our holiday conversation will be going there - which is fine. I'll be good, smile and be quiet. I'm just glad to be visiting my folks!
I rejoice with you Jeanne for those wonderful, unexpected Christmas blessings! Sometimes we need to remind ourselves during the in between times! Merry Christmas!
Email this page to someone.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
