The Last Straw – Some Thoughts on Post-Christmas Worship

Each year on Christmas Day, it is my tradition to head to church and pick up the straw that we spread around our manger scene. My family is usually less than thrilled with this act of service – and justifiably so (haven’t you already done enough, dear?). And while I feel primarily responsible for the straw (it comes from our field), this year I had a better sense of why I do this chore.

First and foremost, those of you who worked with straw know that it is tough to clean up. It tends to overwhelm the vacuums and has a funny way of making it into and under several layers of clothing! So clean up is a long and messy task, but strangely, it is one I’ve grown to love.

In the quiet of the morning, after the busiest day of the year, I still feel the glow of the love in the room. I marvel at the beauty of our church – and I don’t just mean the Worship Center. I reflect and bask in the beauty of our community.

One reality for worship leaders that most people don’t know, is that it is hard to worship while leading worship. Cleaning up the straw on Christmas morning is more than an act of service to me, it is an act of worship – one for which I am grateful.

As you “clean up” from Christmas and New Year’s, my hope is that you will have a sense of worship and reverence as you do these tasks. Despite our many challenges and heartbreaks, it is good to be where we are. God has given us a Savior. Let’s seek to feel him in our hearts.

Happy New Year.

Pastor Greg