My jaw dropped when I ran across this article that ran in the Chicago Tribune (subscription may be required) today.  Apparently, Willow Creek, one of the largest churches in the entire country, will be closed this Christmas day.  Wah?

Their "excuse" is that it is a time that should be spent together with family.  Hmmm.  Well, what better way to worship our Lord and Savior on the day we celebrate His birth than together with the Body of Christ in corporate worship?  Indeed, it is the Church that is truly our family for the Christian believer.  I am honestly surprised that Willow has made this decision.  Christmas is traditionally the only day that many families even attend church...why should we be closing the door on a day that is so important? 

Granted, as the husband (pastor's wife?) of a church staff member (my wife runs the Seedlings children's ministry program at First Free), it is a little annoying that she has to work on Christmas.  However, it only happens once every seven years.  And, last time I checked, we are celebrating what to me is one of the two most important moments in history - the birth of Christ.  Christmas is not all about opening presents, eating, and playing that new Xbox 360