While you’re busy planning, creating and making the best Christmastime your church has ever experienced, don’t forget the birth of Jesus was for you too.
Stop skipping Christmas.
Despite what it feels like, Christmas is not about the perfect graphic (who came up with the ridiculous red and green color palette?), tech run sheet (more dramatic pauses people!), toy giveaway (but kids need more toys!), clever sermon hook (with musical score!), candlelight chorus (when will someone re-design the circular paper wax guard?), or kids program (let’s give parents even more to do this season!).
Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of year and churches who go all out for Christmas are doing the right thing. Nothing is more fundamental to our faith than Jesus’ arrival, death and departure (and return). We must make a big deal out this, and we must continually remind our communities and ourselves what the season is really all about.
I recently heard a pastor lament that his own staff—busy with so many details celebrating the arrival of the Prince of Peace—had not reflected on the very Jesus they were celebrating. They all stopped and had a time of staff prayer.
So stop.
Really.
Stop.
You might not be able to do it now, or even before Dec. 26. But put a date on your calendar (maybe during your retreat)—it will be no more arbitrary than the random Dec. 25 we have now—and choose to welcome Jesus into your life. Allow the conspiracy of divine presence to permeate your soul.
Most scholars agree that the magi arrived well after Jesus’ birthday, so you’ll be in good company with other wise people.
Thanks for being a church communicator. We need you more than ever to communicate the gospel clearly, effectively and without compromise.
More:
- Check out God Rest Ye Stressed Communicators: Planning Christmas for Your Church for more Christmas help.
- For more Christmas insights, check out 25 last-minute Christmas ideas and our whole page of Christmas ideas, examples and strategies.
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