Inner City Church and Christmas….

“We’re not doing Christmas for the community this year, we’ve cancelled it…!” Talking about his inner city church I was surprised at the note of triumph and delight in his voice.

If there was ever a time when the lonely are more lonely; the marginal more marginal; the depressed more depressed it is Christmas day. If ever there is a day on which to demonstrate the fullness of Jesus through community and family it is Christmas day.

Some churches seem to like the inner city tag – it offers a sense of kudos, status. I wonder if Christmas day is a missional litmus test?

When the song of the angels is silent
When the star in the sky is gone
When the kings and princes are home
When the shepherds are again tending their sheep
When the manger is darkened and still

The work of Christmas begins --

To find the lost
To heal the broken
To feed the hungry
To rebuild the nations
To bring peace among people
To befriend the lonely
To release the prisoner
To make music in the heart.

Howard Thurmond

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