There is a strong temptation that arises within our hearts right about now. It is the temptation to not go to the Christmas Eve service that our church is going to have this evening. And, right about now, you are curious as to how I knew that this temptation has arisen in your heart. Well, just know that I am also in the midst of waging war, by the Spirit, against the world, the flesh, and the devil. We all face their opposition as they seek to keep us from doing the things we ought to do! So, you are not alone in this temptation.

Now, before I go any further, I know that many of you are traveling, may have a family Christmas party this evening, etc. If you cannot go to the Christmas Eve service because of certain things like these then I get it. This article is not really geared to you (unless you scheduled your driving and Christmas party so that you had an excuse not to go to the Christmas Eve service. . . . you know who you are)! So, this article is really geared to those who are able to go, but are not really wanting to.

With that said, I just want to list out some of benefits of the Christmas Eve service in hopes to persuade you to go!

• There will be preaching
  • Anytime there is the preaching of the Word, there is an opportunity for a miracle to happen. The Spirit may save somebody. He may save numerous people! Also, the Spirit will help Christians make more progress in the faith. He will help you make progress in the faith. That is exciting! You will learn something new about the Bible. You will be reminded of the glorious gospel that saved you.
• There will be the Lord’s Supper
  • Oftentimes, people partake in the Lord’s Supper at the Christmas Eve service. This is a beautiful, God ordained ceremony that Christ gave to the church so that we might look back at his death, look inward at our own spiritual life, look forward to the great marriage feast we will have with Christ one day, look around at all of our brothers and sisters in Christ that were bought with the same blood that we were bought with, and look up in anticipation for Christ to commune with us spiritually so that we can be nourished and strengthened in faith as we feast on Christ.
• There will be God’s people
  • Oftentimes, Christmas is a time of hanging out with biological family members. While this is important, our spiritual family of brothers and sisters in Christ is more important. The Christmas Eve service allows us to celebrate Christmas with our brothers and sisters in Christ who have the same Lord, the same Spirit, and the same God that we have. This is precious.
  • Note, I am not saying that you shouldn’t hang out with biological family! Hang out with them! However, take opportunities to hangout with brothers and sisters in Christ as well.
• There will be hymns sung!
  • This time of year, we sing some theologically rich hymns (hopefully your church is). These songs will make you good theologians! Just look at these lyrics!
    • Hail! the heaven-born
      Prince of peace!
      Hail! the Son of Righteousness!
      Light and life to all he brings,
      Risen with healing in his wings
      Mild he lays his glory by,
      Born that man no more may die:
      Born to raise the son of earth,
      Born to give them second birth.
      Hark! the herald angels sing,
      “Glory to the new-born King!”
• It is only an hour long
  • It is one of the shortest services of the year!
• You will not regret it
  • Have you ever regretted sitting under the word of God, partaking in the Lord’s Supper, wishing brothers and sisters in Christ a merry Christmas, and singing hymns with the people of God? Of course not! So, you will not regret going to the Christmas Eve service. Rather, it will make Christmas much more enjoyable as you are once again reminded of your most gracious, loving Lord that clothed himself in flesh in order to save you from your sins.

These are just some of the benefits of going to the Christmas Eve service. So, if you do go, I hope you enjoy it, are strengthened in the faith, and are filled with ever increasing joy!