Somehow, church Christmas activities are no longer confined to December 24 and 25. Some churches have started making arrangements earlier in December. Even though this December is just halfway through, I’ve heard that some churches have already held their Christmas celebrations, while others are busy with final preparations.
On December 8, the Sunday, I visited several churches in City G, where the vibrant Christmas atmosphere drew numerous tourists, reminding me of last Christmas.
2023 Christmas Eve fell on a Sunday, and the church hosted more activities than usual. I took the bus to Church F, followed by a walk less than ten minutes from the bus stop. Since it was my first visit, I had to check the navigation on my phone after walking a few steps.
I saw an elderly man on the road wearing a red coat and a green plaid scarf, carrying a red and blue bag that didn’t appear very old on his hunched back. His body trembled slightly, and he took each step carefully with determination. This familiar sight steadied my original hesitant steps. I quickened my pace and followed him. Certainly, we were both heading in the same direction. The scene reminded me of my childhood when I attended church with my mother and often observed elderly people dressed similarly and walking in the same manner. They moved with trembling steps, unsure how far they had traveled to reach the church for worship. Over time, as I visited more churches, I realized that any elderly person near the church during service times was likely a fellow believer.
The morning worship service at Church F began at 9:30. Opposite the entrance was a modest auxiliary hall with about ten rows of seats, most already seated. A receptionist welcomed me and handed me a program for the "Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting at Church F." On the pulpit, the pastors and church staff were offering prayers of intercession for the country, the nation, the church, and those in need. The congregation sat with their eyes closed, praying silently. At that moment, my heart also found peace.
Reflecting on the recent Christmas activities I've attended, rushing between different churches, I felt unsettled. I have been observing the festive decorations—gorgeous lights, beautiful angels, towering Christmas trees, and nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem... Some southern churches in China have even installed snow machines to establish a winter atmosphere.
Plenty of tourists, aware of the church's Christmas activities, came to visit. The reception staff warmly welcomed each visitor with a cheerful "Shalom." Captivated by the church's festive decorations, the tourists eagerly took out their mobile phones and cameras to capture photos and record videos of the beautiful scenes.
In the evening, my mother called and shared how the church in my hometown celebrated Christmas this year. When I was younger and still living at home, she would take me to church, and I often participated in Christmas performances. "It was very quiet this year, which is nice because it allowed believers’ engagement," she commented.
The church in my hometown has two choirs, divided into groups based on different regions. My mother is a choir member, part of a smaller group, and participates in the Maratha group's activities within the church. Every year before Christmas, church staff were busy preparing for various events. As a choir member, she performed several dances; as part of her group, she sang; and as a Maratha group member, she took part in stage performances. After the Christmas Eve performance, only several groups took turns presenting their acts. However, the congregation often watched quietly, and by the end of the program, only the "performers" remained, as most of the "audience" gradually left.
This year, the church in my hometown marked the festival with praise and prayers on Christmas Eve rather than the lively activities of previous years. "Numerous people think this is better—it’s less exhausting than in past years, and it allows everyone to engage with each other until the very end," my mother shared, who didn’t have to participate in any performances this time.
I think it might be because the church in my hometown is in the countryside, where there are almost no young people. Most of the congregation belongs to our parents' generation, and there are barely any new members. The church’s quiet worship allowed every congregant to rest and reflect more deeply on Jesus’ birth, rather than holding performances to draw attention.
The birth of Christ is of great significance to every believer. Have you prepared your heart to welcome his arrival this year?
(Originally published by the Gospel Times, the article has been edited under permission and the author is a Christian contributor. )
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
