Christmas season is truly my favorite time of year, for multiple reasons. One of them is Christmas-light displays. My wife and I sometimes walk around our neighborhood at night, enjoying our neighbors’ displays; we also have a modest display of our own.
In another part of our city, there is an area known as Christmas Tree Lane. Although Christmas-light displays are not exactly mandated, it is understood that everyone living there is expected to put up lights, at a minimum, and perhaps additions like a giant corpulent Santa with reindeer. Some of the residents add various kinds of moving parts, such as elves at work. Many add various kinds of sound effects, including Christmas music, some of which is secular (but fun!) as well as some hymns. Some residents include large word displays; again, some of them are secular or neutral, while others are explicitly Christian, such as “Jesus is born!” At a nearby park, you can have free hot cocoa as well.
Walking through Christmas Tree Lane is a wonderful experience, no matter your age. Part of my enjoyment of it is hearing young kids’ voices, most of them oohing and aahing in wonder. All in all, it is an experience that takes me out of the ordinariness of everyday living; it is, in fact, often worshipful.
Last year, a large church in our community held their own Christmas-light extravaganza. My wife, daughter, and I decided to take a drive-through (the only way possible) “tour.” Shortly after we entered the church property, a woman came along the line of cars, collecting $5 from each driver. As we inched along in winding fashion, there were many trees decorated with creative light displays. We had also been instructed to tune to a designated FM frequency for a combination of narration and Christmas music. One thing I noticed early on was that most of the songs were secular; in the end, I counted seven secular songs and two Christian ones. As for the narration: there were several trivia questions, such as “Which country do candy canes come from?” We were also told that church services there were “not boring, but fun!”
Afterwards, as we reflected on the experience, my wife commented that overall, it was not a very worshipful experience; that summed it up well. I had thought of it as an opportunity for that church to tell people something about the true meaning of Christmas, but frankly, there was precious little of that. I decided to call that church a couple of days ago to see if they were doing the same thing this year. The secretary told me that this year, they had decided to do an indoor “Christmas village” event instead. I was glad to hear that, and later, I looked online for more info. Among other things, the event includes free cocoa, an indoor light show, ornament making, and cookie decorating. Thankfully, there will also be “a very special Christmas message.”
I don’t know if that church decided to do something different this year based on feedback from last year, but this year has the potential to be something better. Besides the aspects I have already alluded to from last year’s event (largely-secular music and narration), I think one of the intangible reasons for this year’s potential–at least from my viewpoint–is the opportunity to actually interact with people, unlike at last year’s event. That one reminded me of the strong tendency of people in my community to use the drive-through lane, especially at restaurants, but also at places like Starbucks, which I had thought of as the quintessential place to walk in and enjoy coffee–maybe even talking with people in the process! COVID exacerbated this drive-through tendency, and it is obvious that some people have decided to stick with it. I also realized that in contrast, walking through (rather than driving through) Christmas Tree Lane is one of the things I love about it.
As you enjoy the many aspects of this Christmas season–including Christmas lights!–with your loved ones, may you above all experience the peace and joy that only Jesus Christ can give!
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If you’re interested in previous posts related to Christmas, check these out:
https://keithpetersenblog.com/a-christmas-quiz/ (This is a Christmas quiz.)
https://keithpetersenblog.com/unpacking-the-theology-of-a-christmas-hymn/ (This is about the incredible theology packed into the hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”)
https://keithpetersenblog.com/the-foolishness-of-christmas/ (This is about how the Christmas message is foolishness to non-Christians, but the saving power of God to Christians.)
To the Remnant 
Keith, was the church that sponsored the secular light display last Christmas an evangelical church? I was just wondering if it was a mainline or progressive church.
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Tony, that church is an independent evangelical church. I just read over their statement of beliefs, and they are solid through and through. I’ve also heard that the preaching is good, but I have never heard a sermon by the pastor.
My guess is that if I had asked their leadership a year ago about the largely-secular music and narration, they would have said something like how they wanted to be open and welcoming to the community at large for that kind of event, and thus they didn’t want to risk “offending” anybody; I’ve heard similar kinds of things before elsewhere. As I mentioned in my post, this year they decided to do something different, and I believe that they at least have the potential to be much more direct in their telling something of the Christmas story, including the Gospel.
As always, Tony, I appreciate your thoughtful comment!
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The first red flag for me was the fact that they were charging people to see their display, unlike the friendly neighborhood. Why is it that the secular people so often appear more spiritual at Christmastime? Could it be that it’s the one time of year they feel they can be spiritually minded? And for Christians, who focus on Jesus all year, is it seen as the one time to “have a little fun”? I don’t know, but these are the thoughts that just occurred to me. Do we take the Truth for granted? Do we assume nobody else wants to hear about it?
I have been to several concerts this year given by Christian schools (choir and band), and it saddens me to hear secular songs making up 90% of the program. With all the Christian Christmas songs out there that the world has readily accepted, what a golden opportunity to present them in beautiful arrangements that emphasize the “reason for the season” and start gospel conversations!
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I didn’t appreciate being charged for it, either. When I asked my wife and daughter about it, none of us could remember if there was a sign at the entrance to the parking lot that mentioned the $5 charge. We knew about it in advance anyway; however, some visitors may have been unpleasantly surprised.
You asked some great questions, and I think your guesses are right. And yes, I have noticed over the years that plenty of unbelievers enjoy singing traditional Christmas hymns! What I have seen and heard over and over again, including at our former church, is that so many believers are afraid of “offending” unbelievers; somehow, they think that being “nice,” offering platitudes, and especially not drawing attention to specific sins will draw people into the Kingdom. Whatever happened to our understanding of Jesus as a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentile unbelievers? (1 Corinthians 1:23)
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Yep, we’ve strayed pretty far from that, haven’t we?
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No question. On a brighter note, Annie, I’m thankful that you’re my sister in Christ. 😀 May you and yours have the merriest of Christmases!
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You too, Keith! Keep shining for Him. 🙂
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