I have done the same type of candlelight service now for years on Christmas Eve (you know the one I'm talking about - sing a number of carols, take communion, then all form a circle with candles and sing "Silent Night). I want to do something different - something new. What do you do? Let me know what you have done in your church - unless of course you do the same thing I have done. Thanks in advance.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 1999

Answers

Michael....

I'm not sure...but I believe Standard puts out a little book that has a number of Christmas Eve Service ideas in it.

You might want to check out their most recent catalog....or web page.

Just a thought.

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1999

Last year I did one on Stars as the point of lights and talked about how God put the stars in the Heavens and gave them all names. I talked about the 12 clusters of stars in the Heavens and God named them. (You have to clarify that you are not talking about hororscopes.)I then talked about Job 38:31,32 Especially the Mazzaroth and their 12 signs, beginning with first one VIRGO and talked about The Virgin that was to come forth and ended with Leo the LION. The Lion of the Tribe of Juda. More importantly that we are to be like stars, our Christian name means something and we have an influence on the world around us. Dan 12:3. Are we wise? You can still use your candles in that regard, if you wish. Shine, Jesus Shine

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

Don't take communion unless it is on the first day of the week.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

Mike -- always a challenge. Here's one idea I used in Charleston.

Instead of the "circle oflight" thing, we used some candle stands. I used wedding style candles ... about 12 as I recall. I had various members of the congregation, who represented various ministries, to cme forward, light one of the large candles, and discuss how their ministry made a Kingdom difference that past year.

We also incorporated a lot of special music from the congregation ... Christmas hymn sings ... and I had one of the youth read the birth account from God's Word.

We wrapped the evening up with a special communion time where families and individuals came forward to partake of the emblems from the table, in small groups, rather than have them passed around.

One thing that I appreciated ... I was able to sit and enjoy the service with my family, allowing many others in the congregation to "do" the ministry that evening.

re: partaking of communion at times other than Sunday. We must be careful we don't give out the feeling that coming once a year or so for the Lord's Supper negates the need for weekly participation. This is a great time for proper teaching on this subject, since you may have the once- or twice-a-year attendees at your Christmas Eve service. Use this as a teaching time. We know the early Christians met at various times of the week, and participated in the Supper as well ... I certainly have no problems sharing the Table at special times as well.

Darrell H Combs

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

Re: communion subthread. Hmmm, Jesus and the 12 must be in trouble, because they took it on a Thursday night!

Main topic: I haven't developed the thought fully, but rather than the usual Christmas Eve devotional comments, it seems that Philippians 2:5-13 captures the meaning of Christmas for me, yet I can't recall it being used in a Xmas sermon or devo. Maybe you could build a service around this passage.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

James Spinnati Said:

<>

Brother James,

Could you please show me some scriptural evidence to your statement? I just finished reading the accounts of the Last Supper in all of the Gospels and find no such hinderance uttered. I also looked at I Corinthians 11:26 that says "For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes." Please forgive me if I misinterpret the "Whenever" for whenever. Are we only to proclaim the Lord's death on Sundays?

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

THE LORD'S SUPPER

INTRODUCTION: The central theme of the Christian faith is the death and suffering of Christ on the cross to redeem us from our sins and give us the hope of eternal life. The central part of our worship on the Lord's day, the Lord's Supper, is a commemoration of that sacrifice. By a proper observance of this memorial feast once every first day of the week, our appreciation of that sacrifice is increased. Our purpose in life as a Christian is re-emphasized, and our strength to resist temptation is renewed.

I. What is the Lord's Supper? A. A memorial or monument (I Cor. 11:24, 25; Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-30). 1. Compare to the Passover (Exodus 12). a. A memorial of sparing the firstborn (Ex. 12:13, 14, 24-29). b. A memorial of Israel's deliverance (Ex. 13:9). c. Neglect brought excommunication (Numbers 9:13). 2. Compare to other monuments or memorials as to: a. Time in existence. b. Extent of observance. c. Effect on the observer. d. Cost of the materials. e. Practicality. B. A communion with Christ (I Cor. 10:14-18). 1. Matthew 26:29 2. Luke 22:18, 29, 30 3. Every Christian, when ushered into God's kingdom by baptism, makes an appointment to meet Christ around His table on the first day of every week. No appointment with earthly friends, family, or for our personal pleasure ought to take precedence over this appointment. C. A declaration. "Proclaim the Lord's death until He comes" (I Cor. 11:26). 1. In spite of more than 1900 years of persecution from without and false teaching from within, this greatest of all sermons is preached by thousands of faithful Christians all over the world. D. Scriptural designations. 1. The Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11:20). 2. Breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). 3. Table of the Lord (I Cor. 10:21). 4. Communion of the body and the blood (I Cor. 10:16). 5. It is never called "sacrament", "mass", "Holy Eucharist", etc.

II. The elements of the Lord's Supper. A. Bread (I Cor. 11:23, 24). Note that Jesus was using the unleavened bread of the Passover feast. B. Fruit of the vine (Matt. 26:29, also vs. 27 & 28). Note that the terms "cup" and "fruit of the vine" are used interchangeably. Jesus is talking about the contents, not the container. C. Are the terms "body" and "blood" used figuratively in these passages? 1. The Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation teaches that the literal body and the literal blood of Christ are present in the observance of the Lord's Supper. 2. Arguments for the use of these terms in a figurative sense: a. Remember that Jesus was alive at the institution of the Lord's Supper. 1) When He said, "Take, eat, this is My body," He was handing them unleavened bread. 2) When He said, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins," His blood was still in His veins, but He was handing them the fruit of the vine. b. Use of similar expressions elsewhere in the Bible: 1) "I am the vine, ye are the branches" (John 15:5). 2) "I am the door" (John 10:7). 3) "I am the way" (John 14:6). 4) "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35, 48). 5) "These women are the two covenants" (Gal. 4:24). 6) "The three branches are the three days" (Gen. 40:12). 7) "The three caskets are three days" (Gen. 40:18). 8) "The seven good cows are seven years" (Gen. 41:26). 9) "This cup is the new covenant" (Luke 22:20).

III. Who may partake of the Lord's Supper? A. Those in the kingdom (Lk. 22:29, 30; Matt. 18:3; John 3:3-5). B. Those in the church (I Cor. 11:18-20; I Cor. 10:16-18, 21). C. Compare to the Passover (Exodus 13:42-49).

IV. When and how often should the Lord's Supper be observed? A. Note: If there is no divine regulation about the matter, no approved apostolic example or command, then whether a man partook every day or once a year or even once a lifetime would be a matter of human choice. B. There was a command to assemble (Hebrews 10:25). C. There was a day of assembly (Acts 20:7. Note that the meeting of the disciples and the breaking of bread are both expressed in the same terms. If they met upon the first day of the week, they broke bread upon the first day of the week). D. The example of the Corinthian church. 1. They assembled or "came together" to partake of the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11:18, 20-23, 33, 34). 2. They gave of their means when they assembled (I Cor. 16:2). 3. This was on the "first day of every week" (I Cor. 16:2  R.S.V.). E. Compare the "first day of the week" to "remember the Sabbath."

V. What should be our attitude in observing the Lord's Supper? A. Reverence (Heb. 12:28). B. Self-examination (I Cor. 11:28; Ps. 139:23, 24; II Cor. 13:5). C. In a worthy manner (I Cor. 11:27-32. Note that "unworthy" is an adverb denoting manner, not an adjective denoting a state of condition). 1. Does this mean sinless perfection? 2. How can we partake "unworthy"

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

Come on!!! Talk about a bunch of preachers who can never stay on track. Start another communion thread if you want, but please just answer the question I asked here.

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

Michael,

If you would just read the other responses you would notice that I was just answering Nate's question. Forgive me brother if I upset you.

Jim

-- Anonymous, December 08, 1999

Mike,

Please forgive me for departing from the subject...

Jim,

Your answer to my question is rather long, however I was able to gleen that your answer doesn't support your previous statement. So, by your answer, I assume you are retracting your earlier admonition against taking the Lord's Supper on other that a Sunday? If not, then I am confused. Could you please enlighten us as to your true feelings on this matter?

James Spinatti wrote: A. Note: If there is no divine regulation about the matter, no approved apostolic example or command, then whether a man partook every day or once a year or even once a lifetime would be a matter of human choice.

By the way, Your answer looked a whole lot better in the e-mail, this system takes out all the Tabs and Hard Returns, YUCK!

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1999

Nate,

You haven't read what I said to begin with. My statement stands. If you don't understand that the New Testament began at Pentecost then I can't begin to explain anything to you. I said IF THERE WASN'T ANY APOSTOLIC EXAMPLE. But there is! And how about reading the context of 1 Corinthians 11. He was not telling them WHEN, he was telling them HOW.

And I asked Mike to forgive me not you!!!

Have a great day and take the Scriptures in context.

Bye

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1999

Again, I will say to MIKE: Please forgive me for continuing on in this vein. But I cannot let this sub-thread drop.

Jim,

I understand what you are trying to say. What I should really have said is that it is in my humble, unlearned opinion that your arguments in this matter (so far) are convoluted and circular reasoning.

For instance,

The "COMMAND TO ASSEMBLE" (HEBREWS 10:25)ends up being the saints being told not to forsake the assembling together of themselves as some are in the habit of doing.

The "DAY OF ASSEMBLY" (Acts 20:7)turns out to be a single instance of when Paul and other saints met together, not an apostolic example of what we should do. If we really used your logic here, it would really go something like this... "When we are in Troas with Paul and the other saints, then on the first day of the week we should come together to break bread." The writer is simply conveying what happened there, at Troas, during their visit, of Paul's missionary journey. In addition, you will note that in the same instance (vs 11) That Paul went upstairs and broke bread and ate - it seems to me that Paul was eating, for sustenance, not the Lord's Supper, not for remembrance.

You wrote: (D. The example of the Corinthian church. 1. They assembled or "came together" to partake of the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11:18, 20-23, 33, 34). )NOPE, NOPE, NOPE! This is simple conjecture and supposision. These scriptures IN NO WAY says that "they assembled or "came together" TO partake of the Lord's Supper". In addition, you are keying off the previous verse from Acts and applying it to this situation, which is perhaps 20 years after the first.

You wrote: (2. They gave of their means when they assembled (I Cor. 16:2). 3. This was on the "first day of every week" (I Cor. 16:2  R.S.V.).) Yes, they did... and they did as Paul directed them to do, just like at Galatia... they set aside a sum, etc. What has this to do with partaking of the Lord's Supper other than Sunday? You are trying to tie together the Lord's Supper with an offering which WAS commanded on the First day of the week. Again, conjecture and supposition.

Please Jim, do take my strong words for a personal attack on you. I grew up in a very legalistic congregation and am now trying to stamp out legalism whereever I see it. I grew up with all the arguments you are using now. But after examination of the scriptures, I know that Jesus wants us to Unify. To truly be One in Him. Paul teaches about the Law in Romans. Live by the Law, and die by the Law. If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me.

Mike, FYI, I'm not a preacher.... just a secretary. :-D

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1999

Come on Jim, you know you don't have a communion table leg to stand on! Your hermeneutic principle by necessityn then dictates assembling in homes for worship and (from what we glean from the apostolic fathers) a capella only worship.

-- Anonymous, December 09, 1999

I'll celebrate Christmas by receiving my lord & savior, Jesus Christ, His body & blood, soul & divinity, in the sacrament of the Eucharist.

So.

Can you folks come up with anything better than that...?

-- Anonymous, December 13, 1999

For Christmas Eve, I have invited the whole church (we are small, but growing) to my house for COMMUNION and snacks and fellowship. I have no problem with a candle light service, but they tend to get old fast. Often they become tradition. Try something different. perhaps a play, or skit, singing or even a movie. Or try a gathering.

Oh, James you are way off base when you say that we only can participate in communion on Sundays. Why not "break bread" daily? If you have a picture of someone whom you loved very much. Would you display it only once a week or month or quater? No you display it daily. There is nothing wrong in communing with the Lord every day. I had a professor at Johnson Bible College who partakes every night as a family devotional. In fact that makes communion MORE meaningful. Do I have biblical evidence? Yes, try Acts 2:42-47. Not only did the first Christians participate on a weekly basis but daily as they wanted to remember the Lord's sacrifice daily.

Sorry for going off this thread... but when someone is wrong sometimes you cannot stand by.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 1999

Just a note here. Jesus said of partaking of the communion, "As oft as you do....." He gave no time, date, day, how often, or with whom. However, nothing is said about celebrating the birth of Jesus and to do so is adding to the practices as were laid down by Jesus and His apostles. If He had wanted it done He would have told us to do it. It was the death of His Son He wanted celebrated and not His birth. But man comes along and thinks he will just make God happy and celebrate His Son's birth. And we know where that all came from.

-- Anonymous, December 17, 1999

Nelta: How do you know that it doesn't make God happy? In celebrating various holidays in various ways keeping a Godly perspective I've come across the passage in Romans 14, basically it's the principle of conscience & it seems pretty adamant about being critical of those who hold one day more special than another & visa-versa. Read verse 16 (after reading the entiere chapter) again wher Paul states that we are not to let what is for us a good thing be spoken of as evil. Therefore our family will celebrate the birth of our Savior, using it as a teching tool in training up our children in all righteousness. So please be careful where you lay down criticisms when they are simply a matter on OPINION. "For if we live,we live for the Lord or if we die, we die for the Lord, therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. (v8) Kathy C. ><>

-- Anonymous, December 17, 1999

Nelta...I am sorry but I am going to respond to your a capella - tradition concerning celebrating Christmas. I don't understand why it is that people in the a capella church are so high-browed when it comes to Christmas and Easter. They think it is a sin to participate. Well what about the thought of Scripture concerning the blessed man who sets aside a day and makes it holy to the Lord?

If you think celebrating the birth of Christ is goofy - fine. But by and large your view is one that I see as completely and utterly moronic. ANY Christian should leap at any opportunity to worship God when the sole focus is to be on Him and His Son.

Go bah humbug somewhere else. I for one will be wishing Jesus happy birthday and enjoying the celebration with the three people that mean the most to me in the world.

I still don't understand it - never will, how one can criticize celebrating Christmas! Well, merry Christmas!

-- Anonymous, December 17, 1999

Well, Mike, to each his own. First of all when it is said that each man can celebrate any day as long as it is to the Lord it is talking about weak brethren. And it is one thing for an individual to celebrate if he so desires but to take it into the group when some will be offended is quite another thing. Again...binding on others one's opinion.

Notice what you said in your first post on this subject. "*I* have done...*I* want to do something different..something new." Binding perhaps? Me thinks you think *it* is yours. Reckon? (And then maybe it is.)

-- Anonymous, December 17, 1999

Hmmm...Nelta....Romans 14:1 FF "Now accept the one who is weak in the faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgement on his opinions. One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only." Seems to me the weaker one is the one who abstains out of fear of offending God. But if you keep on reading chapter 14 it's clear that God honors all those who set aside days to honor Him. And He doesn't look down upon it w/ distain such as you declare in your criticisms. Again, this celebration is in the opinion area of worship & I guess if you were in the midst of a Christmas celebration service & you were offended I'd come to the conclusion that you were a stubborn sister...not weak in matters of faith. Therefore the offense rests in your spirit not the celebrators! Respectfully a sister in the Faith Kathy C. ><>

-- Anonymous, December 17, 1999

I have read all the coments about communion services at christmas, I would lke to ask a few questions. 1) did not jesus when he instituted the lords supper say " do this in rekberance of me " was he not speaking of his death, not his birth? 2) if we have one verse showing to us and answering the question how often, why do we try to put our feelings, or what some man wants us to believe, can we gover what the word has said." All scriptyre is inspired of god, and it profitable-----" Isn't it to rember him? I believe that when the church that christ estab with his own blood must still look at the cost and the payment, because satin is having a hayday when he can see what people who have been bought by that blood of christ in baptism(mark 16:16 act 2:38 gal3:27 col2 and 1peter 3:27 ) nat take it as serious as christ did 3) and did not Paul say in Icor 11:23 that he receved the command from the lord ? and if this is true isn't that enough to settle the question, for it was the same Paul in act20:7 that sowed it was on the first day of the week, when they(christians) together to brake bread...... isnt that again our command? 4) when and who started christmas and christmas eve? I do not see it mentioned in the bible. in closing Hebrews 2:1 we need to listen and dohis way not ours.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2000

I was searching the web, trying to find ideas for a Christmas service and came upon this site. The poor fellow that asked the original question must be just shaking his head. He wanted some help with nice ideas and instead got an argument! How awful! Would somebody just answer his question?

-- Anonymous, December 19, 2001