I grew up in an era in which many businesses were closed on Sundays; not all, but the vast majority were not open. I've lived in a state that once had "blue laws" (curious name for it; and no, I don't have time to "Google it" to find out it's origins) that mandated most businesses be closed on Sundays. I think it's a good thing, but not one that necessarily honors the Sabbath or the Lord's Day, but that's another post.
Cornerstone EFC will be open this Sunday; it is the Lord's Day, after all. And it won't be open for business; that's not what we do in any way shape or form. If it were, then Jesus would have every right to come turning over tables and coffee kiosks, toss out the vendors, book-sellers and muffin-makers (but that's another post as well). No, we'll be open to gather as one of many local manifestations of the Body of Christ on this coming Lord's Day. It's what we do every Lord's Day (unless the weather prohibits us, as it's done 3-4 times in my 14+ year history at Cornerstone).
Oh, and by the way, just in case it's slipped your notice, it also happens to be Christmas Day. What a privilege to worship our Lord and Savior, who "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2.6–11, ESV). It is such a joyous privilege to be able to worship God our Father at any time, but especially each Sunday. And when that Sunday also happens to include Christmas, it's even better. Christmas makes us confront our Christology. We, like Peter, get asked, "But who do you say that I am?" in a very unique way when Christmas rolls around.
Should not every true Christian long to worship his or her Savior at all times, but especially on the Lord's Day, gathered with the saints in His presence? Oh, how our voices should rise in praise of Him. "By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin n the flesh." Gloria in excelsis Deo!
I feel woefully sorry for churches who have seen fit to close their doors this Sunday. It sends a distinct message: "Yup, Jesus is important to us; just not as important as presents and vacation and family and traveling and having a day off and watching TV and eating and all that other stuff. Yup, sure do love me some Jesus on Christmas Day."
If you're close enough, come join us this Sunday at 10 AM.
Come, let us worship the King––Jesus the Savior is born: for the Lord will reign over all the earth! Come, let us worship the King––Jesus the Savior is born: for the Lord is great and greatly to be praised through all the earth––Let us worship the King!