What should a Christian do at Christmas who, for whatever reason, is unable to attend a Christmas service? The reasons abound: church conflict, holidays with secular people, transportation difficulties, poor health or a lack of options locally, particularly where Christianity is a minority religion. Or perhaps Christmas is too much this year, and the typical celebrative service is more than you can bear. In this last case, search “blue Christmas” services locally, which are intentionally pitched for those in stress, depression or grief. (Many will have already been held this year, alas.)
But I think having a different approach to worship can go a long way to making a service — whether at a different church or broadcast — a better fit under these conditions. (A follow-up article will offer some suggestions about a private devotion with words.) Years ago I would attend a Christian Science service, more for the mood than the theology. For those unfamiliar, Christian Science services are made up mostly of hymns and readings from the Bible and “Mrs. Eddy’s textbook” in an entirely predictable fashion. The service is led by two readers; they don’t have clergy. I would sit in the back and let the soothing reading wash over me; the effect was almost hypnotic, and at times actually healing. A bonus: Christian Science churches are often architecturally attractive and grand, so it’s easy to let the eye wander, allowing the body and soul some rest. That’s the attitude to take.
And there’s something to avoid. It’s almost a Protestant tick: when in doubt, add more words. Add a hymn, lengthen the lectern or responsive readings, extend the prayer or let the sermon spread. Even that latter-day darling, the guided meditation, leaves me wanting to stay “shut up.” And since most of my readers are probably Protestant, that’s something we can fix, at least an an awkward Christmas. Resist this impulse. If attending a strange church, pick one (if possible) with visual interest, focus on a cross or nativity scene, generally ignore the body of the service, and focus on the reading of the gospel, and perhaps join in the Lord’s Prayer. Singing is optional. Put away your phone. Trust the space as being safe and welcoming: God is the host, the congregation are other guests. Take time to mentally review your life to that moment, but there’s no rush. Say or feel small prayers when the need arises. Pivot, perhaps after the gospel, to what lays before you. God has come to us in the birth of Jesus Christ, to save the world. You are a part of that household. Imagine or dream what that could be without rushing. There is nothing in this service you need to do for it to be correct, even if that’s not how you would ordinarily approach worship.
So for a broadcast worship service, I’d recommend something of the same. Consider an audio service, televised Christmas service or recorded sacred Christmas music as opposed to one that’s streaming and focus perhaps on a nativity scene or a candle. Treat it as a guide or context rather than a series of acts or instructions. If the thought of something so free form bothers you, keep a bible open to a nativity narrative with you to revisit. Just be with the service, hear the announced promise of God’s new age, and let Christmas be present to you in the spirit “which goes where it will.”