ADVENT 19 (Communion): Will You Commune?

Welcome in to Day 19 of our 25-day Christmas Advent-ure from the Faith Radio Advent Guide, concentrating this year on symbols of our Savior, symbols that are related to the life and ministry of Jesus. 

We recognize that Jesus came to earth in order that He would live a perfect life, provide an incredible example for us, and that He would give His life as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.  Two powerful symbols that we see in the sacrament of Communion, or the Lord's Supper are the representation of the body and blood of Jesus - the bread and the cup.

In Matthew 26, Jesus is sharing the Passover meal with His disciples. In so doing, He demonstrated that He would be the Passover Lamb, who would give His life for the sins of the world. We can read these words in that chapter:
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.
28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

During the Christmas season, we have a chance to commune with our Savior, to gain a fresh sense of who He is and what He has done for us in giving His body and shedding His blood.  Some churches may even take communion together in a Christmas-related service.  

But, less that half the people in our country intend to attend church services during this Christmas season. The Lifeway Research website states:

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 article goes on to say:

Unsurprisingly, those who attend church most often are most likely to be there for Christmas. Christians who attend a worship service more than once a week (95%) are the most likely to say they typically attend this time of year.

And, the Christmas season delivers a spike in church attendance.  The Lifeway article says:

In 2023, Lifeway Research found U.S. Protestant pastors say they usually plan four events or activities to help their churches celebrate Christmas. Around 4 in 5 pastors (81%) say Christmas is one of their three highest attendance worship services, according to a 2024 Lifeway Research study. Specifically, 28% say Christmas draws the most people to their church. During the season, churches see more people at their Christmas Eve service than other worship services, according to a 2022 Lifeway Research study.

Scott McConnell, Executive Director of Lifeway Research, notes: "While church services draw more people in the Christmas season, their prime motivation isn’t unified. The majority are drawn to celebrate the birth of Jesus, honoring Him as the Christ or promised Messiah. But others mostly join in because of the importance of family, their embrace of Christmas church tradition or to jumpstart Christmas vibes..."  Nevertheless, 60% of those surveyed say they attend because of Jesus.

And, those that don't might go - if they're invited. The summary says, regarding those "who don’t typically show up at Christmas:" "Most (56%) say they would likely attend church if someone they know invited them to attend with them at Christmas time, including 17% who are very likely."

So, here are three main talking points from this survey:

One is that churches are making plans to receive a greater number of attendees during this season.  And, that's good - the majority of respondents go to church during the Christmas season to give honor to our Savior.  And, those that go because of tradition may hear the Word of God and experience worship and be drawn into a fresh relationship with the Lord.  So, we must be ready.

Also, most of those that aren't regular Christmas attendees would consider going if invited.  That's key - it goes back to the spiritual sensitivity that I like to talk about regarding Christmas.  There is a lot of spiritual emphasis going on during this time of year, and I believe that God will use His people to reach the already sensitized hearts.

The final, and concerning aspect is that less than half of Americans will be in church during this season. That reflects a culture that is generally indifferent, and some even hostile toward the things of God.  It shows that we as the body of Christ have some work to do. Jesus is holding out the invitation - He has given His body and shed His blood so that people may experience eternal life and forgiveness for their sins.  It's a precious gift - the greatest of all, as it's been said, and during this season, we can communicate with great fervor what Christ has done.