Sabbath Christmas
Posted by Wade on December 17th, 2005As everyone knows, Christmas day falls on Sunday this year. I have recently learned that my ward is only having sacrament meeting on Christmas day. I don’t know if this is a Church-wide “policy”, or whether it is just a decision made by the local leadership. I find this a little disturbing. Of all the days throughout the year, I think Christmas seems to be the most appropriate day to hold services. After all, isn’t Christmas a celebration of the birth of the Savior?
I know the Church actually teaches that Christ wasn’t born on December 25 - a fact proven in the scriptures themselves. Nonetheless, I don’t think this is an excuse not to hold services because as I remember, the Church has always accepted the World’s (Catholic) tradition of celebration on the 25th of December. But, perhaps not holding services is another choice to follow the traditions of the world; I’ve also heard that many other churches are foregoing the public celebration as well.
Anyway, I’m a bit puzzled by this issue and would be interested to hear everyone’s take on it and whether you know if this is a Church-wide decision - what are your wards doing?
As many people see it, Christmas is a day that should be spent with family. Quite often, not all of your family goes to the Mormon church. I think it’s appropriate to have only sacrament meeting (if that’s what your bishop decides). I think that’s fine. But to not have sacrament at all!? That’s a little overboard I think. As you said, Christmas can be celebrated more appropriately at church.
I heard a discussion about this on NPR the other day, many churches are opting not to have church on Sunday for the convenience of it’s members. I think it is a little disturbing. When will be cancelling church next?
Our ward is having only sacrament meeting on Sunday as well, and an hour later, which is nice if you ask me.
Comment # 1 left by Ian on December 17th, 2005
Yeah, the family argument is the only good excuse I could think of. But still, I thought Church was all about being with family - (ward and biological). Also, I know of several people that don’t have family around them at all and these people would probably prefer having the full three hours of church to truly celebrate the reason for the season.
I could be too skeptical on this issue, but it seems to me that the churches choosing to opt out of the full public celebration are doing so for the convenience of focusing on the more “traditional” aspects of Christmas.
Comment # 2 left by Wade on December 17th, 2005
Our ward is having Sacrament only, but later in the day than usual, which is nice for those of us who drive a long way to the chapel (1/2 hour).
I think if our ward was to cancel Church that day, I’d still hold a Scarament meeting at least with my family. I can’t imagine a more powerful way for us to combat the commercialization of the holy day for our children than by partaking of the bread and water.
Comment # 3 left by The Narrator on December 18th, 2005
Does anybody know what happened 7 years ago? This isn’t the first time Christmas has fallen on a Sunday. Is there some kind of precedent?
Comment # 4 left by Ryan on December 19th, 2005
I don’t remember what happened on Christmas 1994, which I think is the last time this happened.
Most likely, I didn’t go at all. My family wasn’t as active tben.
Comment # 5 left by Ian on December 19th, 2005
Christmas actually fell on a Sunday on my first Christmas during my mission; I recall attending all three hours.
Comment # 6 left by Wade on December 19th, 2005
I celabrate Christmas all year round. I guess that means I don’t have to go the sunday school or Preistood.
Comment # 7 left by Cpt. Teancum on December 20th, 2005
I am just kidding of course. I know that the people that make that decision (i.e. Bishops, Stake Presidents) it is not a decision of just shortening church from 3 hours to 1 it is more like shortening church from 6 hours to 3.
Comment # 8 left by Cpt. Teancum on December 20th, 2005
“it is not a decision of just shortening church from 3 hours to 1 it is more like shortening church from 6 hours to 3.”
That’s agreat point. I think that many of us forget how much time our leaders have to put into their callings. Having a typical Sunday with all the associated meetings can often mean almost an entire day away from the family.
“these people would probably prefer having the full three hours of church to truly celebrate the reason for the season.”
This is also a valid point. Unfortunately, sometimes somebody loses out. And with all the sacrifices that church leaders make in terms of time away from home. I’m going to have to say that I opt for awarding them at least Christmas day.
Comment # 9 left by Ryan on December 20th, 2005
Yeah, I like Blaine’s point about the leadership. It’s actually a way I’ve justified it in my own head. I jokingly asked my Bishop why we’re all the sudden apostatizing by dropping two hours off for Christmas. His response was quite cutting: He competely ignored my question and simply said something to the effect of, “do you think young couples like you and your wife enjoy the Saturday sessions of stake conference, and adult firesides the Church holds?” I said, we really like them, but it’s practically impossible to attend them when you have young kids. He then said, “I was just wondering because we’ve really noticed lately that those who attend these meetings are strictly 40 years old and above.” Basically, he turned the tables on me by saying I have no room to talk if I can’t even make it all the meetings anyway. Very well done on his part, and the message was conveyed. I also think this brings more substance to Blaine’s point - the leadership probably does deserve a break.
Also, the sac. mtg. only policy was officially handed down by the First Presidency in a letter to all the bishops.
But, I do still find it a little interesting - I mean, can’t the rule be, no supplementary meetings for leaders?
Comment # 10 left by Wade on December 20th, 2005
I miss our old Bishop. He is a stud.
Comment # 11 left by B. Cotter on December 21st, 2005
I think that those meetings for leaders are essential, especially around the holidays.
Comment # 12 left by B. Cotter on December 21st, 2005
“I think that those meetings for leaders are essential, especially around the holidays.”
I agree with that. Especially in places where it’s freezing during this time. These meetings are needed to help those in need.
“I miss our old Bishop. He is a stud.”
Um, that would be a problem wouldn’t it? The law of chastity and all…
Comment # 13 left by Ian on December 22nd, 2005