Embracing Chreasters: Extending Christ-like Love to Christmas and Easter Only Christians
Welcoming Visitors with the Heart of Christ
As the joyous celebrations of Christmas approach, the local church anticipates an influx of visitors, including families, holiday guests, and those affectionately labeled ‘Chreasters’ – individuals known for their attendance at Christmas and Easter services only. This seasonal increase, now even more pronounced after pandemic-induced absences, unites regular congregants and intermittent attendees, creating a diverse gathering.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."- Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
Understanding the Presence:
Despite the irregular attendance, it’s essential to recognize that God's love extends equally to all, irrespective of their frequency in church pews. Preparing for Christmas service, the regular attendees are called to prayerfully welcome those who might only visit twice a year, ensuring a message that resonates with the hearts of all present.
Reacting to Attendees:
When confronted with occasional attendees, mixed feelings might arise among regular churchgoers. However, it’s crucial to shun judgment or feelings of superiority. Recall the parable of the prodigal son; his return was met with warm embrace, not reproach. Love, not judgment, should define our interactions.
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
Approach with Love:
A Christ-centered church exemplifies love. Just as Jesus unconditionally loved, the church too should extend grace and warmth. Greeting visitors with genuine care goes beyond pleasantries; it involves expressing love, sharing personal updates, and conveying a heartfelt desire to reconnect.
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."- John 13:34 (ESV)
Displaying Care and Concern:
Irregular attendees may be spiritually adrift. While they've chosen sporadic attendance, their spiritual needs remain. Like Paul’s heartfelt care for the Philippians, the church is obligated to remember, care for, and encourage all congregants, regardless of their attendance pattern.
"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy."- Philippians 1:3-4 (ESV)
In Prayerful Support:
Prayer stands as a powerful instrument. Just as Paul prayed for the church, regular attendees are urged to pray fervently for those with infrequent church ties. Spiritual neglect often causes spiritual detachment, a challenge met with compassionate intercession.
"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."- Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
Approach with Gentleness and Humility:
Gentleness and humility form the cornerstone of our interactions. Paul’s teaching on humility resonates: love should guide our actions, never elevating our own faithfulness or attendance over another’s.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law."- Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
Our Welcoming Compassion:
The church’s duty is to welcome all visitors with love, regardless of their church attendance history. Reflecting Christ’s love means extending warm compassion without prejudice, embracing each attendee, whether familiar or sporadic.
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."- 1 Peter 4:8 (ESV)
Conclusion:
In the grand narrative of Christmas, let’s not forget figures like Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who though infrequent, played crucial roles. May we emulate Christ’s love and embrace all visitors, acknowledging that salvation transcends church attendance. Our task on Christmas isn’t to judge but to mirror the love of our Savior to all who gather in His name.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."- John 13:35 (ESV)
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