CEO’s of the Church

Many of you have probably heard the term “CEO.” In this context, I’m not talking about a Chief Executive Officer like Elon Musk or Tim Cook. I mean when people speak of those who attend church on Christmas and Easter ONLY. CEO.

Now, I know these are only labels. I don’t like labeling people because it can place limits on what someone is going through or where God has them in life. But when we look at the Christmas story and the people involved, it gives us insight into the RESPONSE that is demanded of us as believers.

When Christ is born, it happens in a specific place, Bethlehem. And the birth of God taking on human flesh demanded a response from every person in that story, just as it does from you and me. Mary was asked to bear this son and raise Him. The Magi and shepherds heard the good news of a newborn king and responded by making the difficult journey,  because of who they believed Jesus to be. 

And you too have come today to commemorate His birth. Maybe it’s family tradition, obligation, nostalgia, or because Christmas wouldn’t feel complete without church. But the reality is this: Jesus wasn’t just born. He left heaven to be here with YOU, in flesh and blood, personally and specifically.

Yes, after His resurrection He ascended to heaven, but He still chooses to be here with us, not just spiritually or symbolically. The same Jesus born in the manger, who performed miracles, died on the cross, and rose from the dead is truly present here in the Eucharist, in Communion, in the Qurbana.

You could leave church today, enjoy Christmas, eat well, and spend time with loved ones. But this truth should shake you. Because this Christmas story demands a response. You may think, “I came today, that’s enough,” or “I pray at home.” But imagine if God treated us that way, doing the bare minimum. God doesn’t ask, “What’s the least I can do?” He asks, “How can I be with them on Earth so they can be with me for Eternity?”

Coming today is beautiful. But come Sunday, these pews are often empty, and you have the power to change that. Christ remains present, waiting for your response. Like Mary. Like the Magi. Like the Shepherds.

Where will you be? How will you respond?