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Should Christians Observe Christmas? Huh?

Kevin at Reformed and Loving It writes a good post on the subject. Here is a small sample,

'Tis the season in which many of my beloved brethren begin decrying the observance of Christmas. I have very great respect for these men and the traditions they are seeking to uphold. I simply do not agree with their arguments.

While many Evangelical Christians mourn how Christ has been excluded from Christmas (and they are right), I also mourn that Christmas is not welcome in many Reformed Churches.

The arguments against observing Christmas (and Easter, for that matter) generally run along the following lines:

1. Reformed Churches have not historically observed Christmas.
2. Observing Christmas is “popish.”
3. Many of the symbols and traditions of Christmas have pagan roots.
4. The Regulative Principle of Worship requires the banning of Christmas observance, since there is no command to set up “holy days” other than the Sabbath.

Let’s deal with them in order:

And so he does. Check it out.

Worship Videos - December 6, 2009

Worship led by Jessica Campbell

Evolution... [comic]

Sunday's Set List

Set List - Sun Dec 6

I Will Boast (P. Baloche)
Today is the Day (L. Brewster)
Everyone (G. Packiam)
Beautiful Jesus (K. Stanfill)
Endlessly (J. Egan)

Worship Leaders--Tips for Spoken Word

Here are some things one of our worship leaders, Jeremy Irwin, wrote down for me to help our worship leaders, including me, with public speaking on the microphone during worship services.  This list is not exhaustive, nor is it gospel.  It is simply some helpful thinking points to help worship leaders as they pray, read, explain, exhort, welcome, dismiss and prepare liturgy for their services.  Here's what Jeremy gave me:

• pray for God's help
• be simple and clear
• avoid lofty language
• focus on the gospel (for others and yourself)
• tie in scriptures
• power comes from the truth of scripture (don't overcompensate)
• get a sense of where people are
• balance conviction with encouragement
• anticipate people's response and speak to that
• use resources
• think about your tone of voice
• what are your non-verbals communicating?
• make eye contact
• write it out and bring it to service
• practice speaking it out loud and time it.
• reduce it to an outline
• have someone else listen to you
• preach the gospel to yourself

In my undergrad education, I studied TV and Radio Broadcasting.  We often practiced our material in front of a mirror.  Even today, when I am speaking on something, I practice in front of the mirror so I can see how weird I am.  If you are from the Midwest, you are probably not nearly as demonstrative as you think.  In school, this was something we talked about as well.  There is a plainness to us Midwesterners that can be universal (which is why broadcasters are often coached to sound like they're from the Midwest), but we also have a tendency to be less emotive and demonstrative when speaking publicly.  Like most things, balance is needed, but it's good to know how you appear to others.  A mirror (or your spouse) can really help you know how you're coming across.

God bless you all in your ministry.
Pray for your pastors.
Josh

Drama in Corporate Worship

Interesting discussion going on over at a friend's blog. FYI, I am in the discussion as RFT. Join in.

Wednesday Set List @chapelhill

Tonight my brother Brett and I are leading worship @chapelhill for the Wednesday Large Group Worship and Teaching. 2 acoustics. 2 mics.

Here's what we're singing:

Let God Arise - Tomlin
Everlasting God - Brown
All That I Want - Planetshakers

Brandon

Worship - November 29, 2009

Last Night's SNF Teaching Handout on Worship

(download)