Christmas is Coming and so are the Millennials

Christmas is coming and so are the Millennials.  There is something about celebrating Christmas with family and friends.  Part of that tradition is being in church on Christmas Eve.  The singing of Silent Night by candlelight still touches my heart strings.  Millennials also cherish singing the traditional Christmas carols.  As pastors and worship leaders are putting together the final arrangements for Christmas Eve services there are some things to keep in mind. 

When it comes to Millennials and Christmas Eve, it is not as much about a long-term relationship as it is reminding them of their spiritual roots.  Most Millennials have established their own lives, often away from home.  Some might even have made choices that they know not only run counter to mom and dad’s expectations, but contradict what they were taught in Sunday school.  As a result they probably are not looking for a long-term relationship with a church.  What they are looking for is unconditional love and acceptance.

Millennials also want to hear the Christmas Gospel from Luke 2.  No matter how many times the story is told, it never grows old.  Keep the service short, preferably forty-five minutes are less.  Allow plenty of time for people to hang around and visit after the service.  If you have multiple services, allow as much time between services as you do for the services themselves.  Christmas Eve should also be an “all hands on deck” event for a church staff.  It is especially important for education and youth ministry people to be visible and ready to welcome back college students and young adults.

It is also important for parents and grandparents alike is to not use holiday gatherings as an opportunity to preach or express displeasure over decisions that have been made in the past.  When Jesus gathered as a meal with people He prayed, broke bread and celebrated the fellowship.  Jesus also was well aware of the baggage each person brought to the table.  In that situation, He just loved them and appreciated their presence.  That needs to be our attitude as we welcome back young and old alike for the holidays.  It also needs to be our mindset as we gather with family and friends as well.  

In This World You Will Have Trouble...

Like the rest of the world, I was deeply grieved when I heard of the tragic church shootings in Sutherland Springs, Texas.  Unfortunately, I cannot say that I was shocked.  Mass shootings are happening way too frequently, and regrettably church communities often the target.  I was heartened to hear the strong words of hope, and even grace, spoken by the survivors and the entire community of Sutherland Springs.  I recalled the response of the Amish Community in Pennsylvania when a gunman entered a school and mercilessly murders young girls.  They too reacted with grace and forgiveness, even reaching out to the family of the shooter. 

As always, I turned to the scripture in an attempt to keep things in perspective. A couple of things immediately came to mind.

Satan will be active on this side of eternity.  The earth is his playground.  Revelation 12:7-9 provides the account.  Jesus' early followers were well aware of this.  Peter even warns, “Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:9)

The devil will often attack those who are most faithful.  The story of Job is the ultimate example.   Yet, the midst of unimaginable tragedy Job could proclaim, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and I too in my flesh will see him.”  (Job 19:25-27)  Like Job, we too should “long to see Him.”

Jesus told his followers, and that includes us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  We are to live each day as conquerors  because we have the ultimate "Conquer" as our leader. 

We must be living, breathing examples of hope and grace in a very troubled world.  We cannot allow ourselves to live in fear.   While we must be prepared for such attacks, we cannot allow fear to control our lives.  Rather, we must live each day joyfully and confidently.  The world, especially the young folks around us, is watching.