5 Considerations for Your Christmas Eve Message
At this time of year, many pastors recognize that in addition to the regular preaching rotation, there’s an added responsibility: Christmas Eve services. They have held their popularity over the years and continue to be a cherished part of people’s holiday celebrations.
While it’s always a challenge to come up with a fresh way to share that familiar old story, the effort is worth it because of the incredible opportunity this service brings.
While it’s always a challenge to come up with a fresh way to share that familiar old story, the effort is worth it because of the incredible opportunity Christmas Eve services bring.
Having faced this literally dozens of times, I’ve learned that the Christmas Eve message is a whole different “animal” and must not be handled in the way of the typical Sunday morning.
That being the case, I’ve come up with five “considerations” that might serve a pastor well as you plan and prepare. These filters can help you make the most of this unique gospel opportunity.
1. Consider who will be in attendance.
Christmas Eve services will contain the most diverse audience of any gathering in the year. The regular attenders will be joined by at least three other groups:
Children
Extended family
Visitors
Within those groups, there will likely be a number of people who do not yet have a relationship with Jesus. There will be people in your audience who will be at various places on their spiritual journey from skeptic to seeker.
The presence of these various groups must be reflected in the subject, your style, and the length of your talk. Now is not the time to dive into a theological explanation of the genealogy of Jesus or the dual nature of Christ or the prophetic implications of the incarnation. The audience of that evening isn’t looking for such a sermon and will likely just tune out.
There is plenty of material in the Christmas story itself and there is plenty of subject matter in the issues Christmas addresses without literally “going off the deep end.” Ask yourself whether what you have to say will be understood by and appreciated by the unique audience that is present.
As well, look for ways to include the children and intrigue the seekers. In this case, your illustrations might well be more important than your exegesis. Stories are one of the most effective tools you can use.
One more thing. Keep it short. When parents are holding squirming kids, 15-20 minutes is about all they can handle. As well, unbelieving “Uncle Charley” won’t have the patience for much more.
2. Consider why people are attending.
I came to understand that there were three reasons that folks made the effort to come to Christmas Eve.
Tradition
Coercion
Anticipation
Regarding the first, for many individuals and families, Christmas Eve is a beloved tradition. It’s simply part of the holiday. But make no mistake. The tradition isn’t based upon a riveting sermon. It’s rooted in carols, candlelight, and the Christmas story. So don’t compromise these elements by unduly prioritizing your message.
Wisdom would also recognize that some in attendance (unbelieving “Uncle Charley” perhaps) are present under protest. They are only there because the rest of the family asked (begged?) them to come. Keep these folks in mind as you prepare and preach.
Finally, there are some who will be present with anticipation. If Christmas offers anything, it offers “hope.” And there will be both regulars and visitors who are longing to receive it.
Be sure to make your message personal and practical. How does it bring good news to believers as well as seekers?
3. Consider what topic/text would be most appropriate.
Every year Christmas comes within a context. What kind of year did your church experience? One of stress or loss? One of growth and success?
Give some thought to what happening in the world that even visitors will be concerned about. War, discord, violence, etc.
What are some human conditions/struggles that people might be facing? Divorce, death, financial pressure, depression, shame, anxiety, etc.
There are dozens of classic “Christmas texts” that can address your chosen topic. People never weary of the story of Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, and the magi. Don’t feel like you have to find something that is esoteric or exotic.
4. Consider how the gospel can be shared.
If there’s one element that should be constant in your content, it should be the Good News. For all else that Christmas can offer – hope, peace, joy, etc. – it offers salvation.
If there’s one element that should be constant in your content on Christmas Eve, it should be the Good News. For all else that Christmas can offer – hope, peace, joy, etc. – it offers salvation.
Make sure that, in the midst of all else you comment on, you share the gospel…
Simply
Clearly
Compellingly
Those who bring unsaved family members and friends will expect this. They might well have been diligently praying for just such an opportunity. Don’t disappoint them.
5. Consider how to extend the moment.
With all the potential that this service holds, look for ways that you can make it special not only in the moment but beyond the moment.
Using a creative team can help here. Share with them the direction you’re thinking of heading and ask them to brainstorm ideas.
On some occasions, we provided folks with an interactive moment within the service. One year my message was titled “God’s Christmas Gift to You.” So, we handed out little gift boxes wrapped in a bow. Each box contained a scripture verse – a “gift” from God. At a point in the service, we invited folks to open their gift and discover the message God had for them, or for someone they may want to pass it on to.
On other occasions, we used “take homes” as a reminder of the big idea of the message: a simple bracelet, a key ring, a bell, an ornament. These small tokens were intended to give folks something that would reinforce the good news that was shared long after the service was over.
I would also suggest you consider having “Seeker Packets” available for those who might like more information on how to take “next steps” with what they heard. While in this venue people aren’t as willing to come forward with their questions, they might be willing to anonymously pick up a packet that contains a tract, a DVD, or a booklet. As well, include info about next step opportunities at your church and contact information.
Finally, take a moment at the end of the service to invite folks to the next Sunday worship gathering. Have invitations available that promote what, hopefully, will be a compelling topic.
Christmas Eve services can be among the most special of the year. They carry all sorts of redemptive potential that goes well beyond tradition. By using these filters, you can make the most of the opportunity.
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