Worship leaders can easily fall into the trap of trying to outdo last year’s Christmas service. A bigger production, a more elaborate arrangement, a special performance, or some new creative element can seem like the perfect way to make the season memorable. But there’s a danger in planning a service that entertains people instead of engaging them in worship.
The Christmas story is already the greatest story ever told. It doesn’t need a new production every year to make it powerful. Your congregation gathers to sing together, hear God’s Word, pray, and encourage one another. Sometimes, simply reading the Christmas story straight from Scripture is more than enough.
Bring Back Familiar Christmas Carols
Don’t underestimate the power of traditional Christmas songs. Your congregation already knows “Joy to the World,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night.” Familiar songs give people the opportunity to participate rather than sit back and watch.
That doesn’t mean modern Christmas worship songs or creative arrangements are bad. They can have a place in your service. But don’t feel pressured to introduce something new just because the old songs seem too familiar. A congregation singing a beloved carol together can be far more meaningful than an impressive performance of a song nobody knows.
Remind Your Church That Christmas Songs Are Worship Songs
Familiarity can sometimes make people forget what they’re singing. Christmas carols aren’t simply nostalgic songs that make December feel special. Their lyrics are filled with truth about Jesus, His coming, and His glory.
Take time to explain that. Plan a few speaking transitions that help your congregation understand the meaning behind the songs and recognize them as opportunities for worship. Don’t just launch into another familiar carol. Give people a reason to sing its words with purpose.
Remember Who the Church Gathering Is For
Christmas services often attract people who don’t regularly attend church. That’s a wonderful opportunity, but it doesn’t mean the purpose of your worship gathering should change.
The church gathering is primarily an opportunity for believers to worship God, hear His Word, and encourage one another. The church’s mission to reach the world doesn’t begin and end on Sunday morning. Believers are called to carry the gospel into their everyday lives and communities.
When unbelievers visit, they should absolutely be welcomed and engaged. But that doesn’t require watering down the gospel or turning the service into an entertainment experience. Let them see a church joyfully worshiping God and celebrating the truth of the gospel. Challenge them to understand and respond to that good news rather than simply giving them a comfortable experience to check off their Christmas list.
Plan a Service That Engages, Not Just Entertains
This Christmas, resist the pressure to make everything bigger, newer, and more impressive. Choose familiar songs your congregation can sing, explain why those songs matter, and keep the focus on the gospel. Welcome occasional visitors, but don’t lose sight of the purpose of gathering as the church.
Your Christmas service doesn’t need another elaborate production to make an impact. It needs a congregation engaged in worship and reminded of the incredible good news of Jesus Christ.
Watch the full video for fuller context, including more of Spencer’s personal experience, practical examples, and additional encouragement for planning a Christmas service that engages your congregation.
