Christmas is a special time for preaching, but it comes with unique challenges and opportunities. The holiday season brings family distractions and evangelism potential, yet the impact of evangelism may be overrated in the short-term.
This episode of Preaching Through Podcast dives into practical tips for preparing an effective Christmas message:
Prepare yourself: The sermon needs preparation, but the preacher needs it even more. Focus on enjoying Jesus and sharing that joy with your congregation.
Prepare the recovery: Plan time to rest and recharge after the intensity of the Christmas season.
Prepare the people: Encourage church members to invite friends, ensuring they can trust the message and overall experience.
Prepare the service: Aim for a great version of who you normally are as a church. Simple quality trumps complex mediocrity.
When crafting your Christmas sermon:
- Decide on a target audience
- Choose a lane: narrative, apologetic, or theme approach
- Determine an appropriate length
- Plan for a specific response
Avoid common pitfalls like trying to be someone you’re not, practicing on the congregation, making it about yourself, or neglecting your heart preparation.
Remember, Christmas preaching is just one piece of your overall ministry. Reframe its importance to reduce anxiety and pressure. Start planning early, involve trusted leaders, and focus on celebrating the incredible truth that God became human to save the world.
