Show of Hands

I think I went once with my brother and his family, to their church. I don't think the church I went to as a child had a candlelight service. I don't go to church now, except for weddings and funerals.

Yes. Every year

I go every year. This year I almost set the church bulletin aflame. I should not be trusted with fire. (In my defense I did this whole trying not to ignite my 6 year old sisters pigtails on fire.)

@tommy I don't smoke, but my wife and I did split a bottle of champagne one year before going. That was a slightly jollier service.

That's a lot like blaming people who voted for Romney or theNRA for Newtown.

Every year. :-)

I'm just telling you what happened to me. There's nothing for you to believe or disbelieve. The more Bible reading I did, the more my heart changed. My politics followed. Making political choices based on my personal convictions. As you are.

Agree with tlaney, no way can a true Christian stand on the side of pro abortion.

Me too! Was beautiful!

Just got back actually.

Ya damn faithless liberals!

I haven't even been to a church service...

Or=our

Serving the poor, the weak, the less fortunate, those who are sick...are those who you are talking about? Don't see them served in or country really by either.

Actually I was not talking about abortion. But also not everyone is Christian so they may think that as a right.

Goldiemol, nowhere in the Bible does God give anyone the right or the OK to murder their unborn child (that's the "right" to which you were no doubt referring). Rather, he condemns violence against the defenseless. Sounds pretty Republican to me.

Much more "me", and I became a member there last month. And my parents also found a church they feel more welcomed in. And tonight my dad is coming with me to visit my new church for Christmas Eve! I've never been to a Christmas Eve service there, so I don't know what it's like, but I'm excited!

Our church voted to leave the denomination. My family was among the few people who voted to stay. But earlier this year, I started looking for a new church, mainly just because I moved out of my parents' house, and I wanted to go somewhere a little closer. Luckily, I found a place that I love that's

I personal can't believe that. The Bible is misconstrued to make it fit the republican view. I'm an independent who votes more liberal. I also won't use my religion to vote against something that I personal won't do but would take away rights from people. I'll let God judge not judge for him.

For me, the dem/rep split on this question: was raised democrat. Age 26 became Born again Christian. Rep views lined up better w Bible than Dems. At the time.

I used to go to my mom's church every year till she got sick.

Can you just imagine the size of the tornado that must have created God? That must have been one heck of a junkyard!

My church too. Evangelical free church. Candlelight service is held every Sunday before Christmas. Very beautiful.

I only go to church for weddings and funerals.

Unfortunately yes, nothing against those who believe, but it was just a big waste of time for me.

Does midnight mass count?

Our diocese left over that vote.

I'm so sorry you don't have your lifelong church home anymore. Keep looking until you find a new church to call home. I have a friend in a very similar situation. It's difficult to start over, but sometimes it's for the best. I wish you well.

I wish our Christmas eve mass was candlelit! But that's only Easter.

Who you are right on. Jesus said you would know His followers by their fruits. Westboro produces evil.

I have. Looking for a church that feeds my soul.

Does anyone remember the results of the question of are you Christian from awhile back? Just wondering how they compare. I've only ever been to Christmas eve services that light candles. I've been to a few denominations/nondenominational churches. Our 4, 7,and 10 pm services will light them.

Our church doesn't do them, but every year it seems that we end up staying up way to late on Christmas Eve wrapping presents and we end up catching most of the midnight mass from the Vatican.

It leaves you with the Yule log and all of the Yuletide celebrations, the tree, the wreaths, the lights and decorations, the food, the gift-giving, the family time, cards and well-wishes, everything to do with Santa, most of the music, Boxing Day, and pretty much everything else except the Nativity.

Wow, I feel sorry for people who say they have better things to do. The music is beautiful, the churches are decorated, and people are so genuinely happy. I would think you might want to go just to see what it's about it. Shouldn't we be tolerant and open to new experiences.

Growing up, wasn't given a choice. I'd sit by Granda and eat the candy he kept in his pocket for me.

Every Christmas Eve when I was a kid. And after we would be allowed to open one gift before bed. Lol. Maybe I'll see if my hubby wants to go tonight. He's religious, I'm atheist. Then we can all open a present tonight. Hehe. ????????

WBC is not Christian, they're a disgusting cult.

Make sure you leave ALL "Christian components" out. I think that leaves you with reindeer, maybe

An excuse that hurts no one but your self. " let there be peace on earth and let it begin with ME. Let there be peace on earth, the kind that was meant to be...with God as our father, brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony."

Stupid and naive statement

No stars/angels allowed. No gifts to represent the wise men. No red/green to represent the blood and everlasting life, including trees and wreaths. No lights since they represent He is Light of the World. No candy canes as they tell the story! And don't forget that Santa is Saint Nick.

What was the vote about?

I am a Christian, and I consider Westboro Baptist Church to be a cult, not actually representative of Christianity.

I've been to an Easter candlelight service, but not christmas eve. our church used to give everyone a candle in a plastic cup. one year my brother was an altar server and he got bored so he started tilting it from side to side melting the cup. my mom was so annoyed/embarrassed.

Yes. Every year. Even as a one month old baby. Even the year my mom was released from the hospital on Christmas Eve.
Except this year. We stopped going to the church I've spent my entire life in because of controversial church vote in October. This will be my first Christmas going somewhere else.

I accidentally caught my Silent Night song sheet on fire at a candle light service when I was five. My dad had to stomp it out where I dropped it catching the carpet on fire lol!

It is boring. I've never thought of getting baked beforehand though. That's a great idea!

My favorite Christmas memories are of candlelight service singing silent night and hugging my wife and kids. They are grown and I would love to re-live those days as they raise their own families.

The Christian component of Christmas?