The Christmas extravaganzas are in full bloom.
I can understand commercial hoopla to allure shoppers into stores.
But what makes me cringe is when churches produce musicals that rival something you’d see in Vegas.
Contrast it with what most people in the world have to celebrate the holiday with:
And now consider the lowly birth of Christ – the real historical narrative in all four gospels.
Where would you rather be?
Messy Christians 
Dear Carolyn,
In one sense I agree with you. Churches should spend their time and resources on telling people about Jesus. But since they hold services every Sunday, Bible studies, and mid-week children’s programs, they believe they are doing that.
These programs bring in large amounts of funds for the church. It isn’t that much different than putting on a bazar, or a church dinner. Of course, I side with JFJ in thinking it is not fitting for a church to engage in such commercial activity to raise money, but most churches don’t see anything wrong with doing a little something to tease money out of the non-Christian sector. Even some of those non-Christians get a little glow from letting their money benefit the church, and thus think bazars and dinners are nice.
Sometimes the churches feel that if people will just step into the church for a huge Christmas show, it will make them more willing to step inside for services. Maybe yes, maybe no.
For myself, I’m glad these mega churches put on mega Christmas extravaganzas. I like to go to a big show once in a while, and unlike the Las Vegas stuff, there is no nudity, bad language, or other objectionable shenanigans. I can be sure it will be good, clean enjoyment. Again, unlike Las Vegas, the program really does talk all about Jesus. One or two people really could learn the true meaning of Christmas. But even if not, there is nothing inherently sinful about these big shows. Much the same can be said for Christian concerts and the like.
Do you remember a song that was on Christian Radio not long ago? (You know, not more than 10 years or so ago.) The words were, “When the money flows in vast amounts, when the thought is LOVE, it’s the thought that counts.”
We don’t live in the 3rd world. We do have lots of money. Even after we tithe to our church and give to our favorite mission, we have money to spend on entertainment. I for one rejoice when the entertainment, even if very lavish, centers on Jesus. Jeanne Hansen
>________________________________ > From: Messy Christians >To: jeanniealabeannie@yahoo.com >Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 12:17 PM >Subject: [New post] We’ve Got It Wrong > > > > WordPress.com >ritarivera5150 posted: “The Christmas extravaganzas are in full bloom. I can understand commercial hoopla to allure shoppers into stores. But what makes me cringe is when churches produce musicals that rival something you’d see in Vegas. Contrast it with what most p” >
Good thoughts, Jeanne! I still don’t believe Jesus created the church for the purposes of entertaining the masses, but for the purpose of being a light on a hill pointing to Him as the only means of rescue from sin and damnation. Most people don’t think they need him. How is an extravagant spectacle going to show them otherwise?
G-d never gave Dec. 25th as Yeshua/Jesus birthday. The only celebration he gave was the breaking of the bread/wine-Do this in rememberance of me!