Clergy ready for the big game — Christmas

BOSTON — To describe his feelings at the pulpit during a jam-packed Christmas worship service, the Rev. Paul McPheeters talks "Monday Night Football."

The excitement of speaking in front of a big holiday crowd is like a player's during the prime-time game, he says. So many worshippers attend only on the holidays, and every preacher wants the service to be memorable and moving.

The result, says the Rev. McPheeters, of Forestdale Community Church, is that when he stands in the pulpit he's just "a little more jacked up about it" than on a typical Sunday.

So are many of his colleagues. Around the country, ministers in churches big and small are preparing to welcome the annual rush of visitors who attend just on Christmas or Easter. These "holiday Christians," as some call them, come for many reasons — whether they're dragged by family members or attracted to a hopeful message during what can be a time of loneliness.

Pastors and priests say they strive to be friendly, inspirational and clear about the Christmas message of God coming to Earth to redeem humanity.

But whether it's music, drama or homilies, church leaders know that whatever they do must be done exceptionally well, said the Rev. Daniel Benedict, director of worship resources at The United Methodist Church General Board of Discipleship.

"Culturally, the expectations are extremely high for Christmas," he said. "Worship services that don't meet the high expectations are doomed to failure for everyone, but particularly for the guests that are there infrequently."

Despite its commercialization, Christmas remains a time of personal and spiritual reflection, and that makes people open to the Christian message, said Gerald Mann of the Riverbend Church in Austin, Texas.

"This is the time of year to shine the light on all the dark places in your head," Mann said. "I think it's God's declaration that no matter how secular society gets, you can't kill God."

Pastors say they don't want holiday visitors to feel guilty because of their infrequent attendance or embarrassed because they're unfamiliar with church rituals. Some churches don't take offerings, so visitors won't feel the church is just after their money. Others remove religious readings that visitors might be unfamiliar with, or make sure to explain them in church bulletins.

"We don't want people singled out or feeling awkward," said the Rev. Gordon Hugenberger, pastor of the historic Park Street Church in Boston. "We're thrilled they're here."