Christmas Eve Worship
/One week from tonight Christians around the world will celebrate Jesus’ birth. For those who lead worship on this holy night there are unique challenges. How do we navigate those when the stakes and people’s expectations can feel so high?
The Christmas Eve service in many churches is steeped in tradition, everything from singing particular carols to lighting candles throughout the congregation. Trying to change these elements can be difficult to say the least. At the same time, the congregation can be filled with nominal Christians, relatives who really don’t want to be there but who attend to placate family members, and others who don’t know the story or church-ese but who come to be inspired or to find wonder and hope.
I’ve experienced both extremes of an unapologetic adherence to high church out of loyalty to tradition (which can leave many guests lost and feeling even more of an outsider) as well as embracing current culture to the point that the importance of the story threatens to be lost in favour of appealing to whatever is hip at the moment. Neither of these extremes has anything inherently wrong with it, but what is really the best way to address the uniqueness of Christmas eve worship? Ponder these as you prepare:
Pump up hospitality. You know that this is one of the biggest services of the year so prepare for it. Recognize that there will be people who are unfamiliar with your church and unsure of themselves and make sure that you have friendly and welcoming greeters who make everyone feel at home. Continue that welcome throughout the service and after.
Include extra directions. Use verbal and written announcements or powerpoint to let people know when and what to do so that they can participate more fully. If you are serving communion explain clearly who is welcome, if there are options and how to choose them (i.e. grape juice or wine, rice crackers or bread) and how and when to receive the meal. Take the time to make sure that people understand what is happening and feel cared for and included.
Remember the focus. There are so many ways to celebrate Christ’s birth. What is key is that God’s amazing story of what happened in Bethlehem is the focal point. So many Christians don’t remember all the details of what happened, let alone your guests who maybe attend church once or twice a year if at all. The story is powerful and can stand on its own. Its mystery and beautiful simplicity is wonderful.
Engage people. Particularly if Christmas Eve draws out young families, think through attention spans and opportunities for movement and interaction. Do you really need 8 carols and all the verses of each? Is there a way to include the senses and something tactile, even if it is just handing out candy canes and explaining their significance, or having a special display, or having people wear simple costumes to create a live nativity for part of the service? If you have a message prepared, keep it short or make it interactive or include visuals. Be mindful that the length of the service does not equal the depth of the worship experience.
Make room for wonder. This is a service where time can stand still. Don’t rush. Let people take in the warmth and comfort of community on a dark night, the beautiful music, the joy of this miraculous story. Allow for silence and resting in the moment.
As I prepare for Christmas eve worship I will try to keep these in mind, and to remember that I need to come and worship too. My posture and approach to what I’m doing impacts everyone else. I pray that your own preparations will enable you to feel drawn closer to God and the best story of all.
Merry Christmas! May God’s light and love be found in and through us so that all the world can see!