Joe Thorn writes:
This past weekend in Chicago and the surrounding area we were blessed with almost 2 feet of snow. A number of churches suspended worship gatherings on Sunday due to the dangerous roads. Sometimes God’s providence makes it difficult, and even impossible to gather for worship. But every year, on a few special Sundays, many churches choose to close their doors for other reasons. The Sunday nearest Christmas is one such Sunday. The rationale for closing the church doors on such Sundays is to allow families to have more time together, or to give overworked staff a rest from their labours. I understand and appreciate the sentiment behind these reasons, but ultimately I think it not only sends the wrong message, but works against what God has called us to do as the church.