by Bryan Rose
I’ve seen it all when it comes to Christmas Eve services.
I’ve been a part of everything from a borderline-irreverent variety show (dressed like Will Farrell in an SNL cheerleaders skit) to an 11:30 p.m. solemn and holy candlelight gathering for prayer and praise. Needless to say, I have a few thoughts on the myriad of opportunities to worship, pray, and even laugh on Christmas Eve. No matter your personal preference or theological tradition, Christmas Eve services stand as a meaningful, often guest-full, moment in the life of every church. As the body of Christ and those connected to that body gather this Christmas Eve at your church, here are three places to point to God’s better future (your church’s vision) without missing the point of why you’re gathered. For what it’s worth, SNL cheerleaders certainly count as missing the point.
The first place to drip vision begins with the last moment with your attendees before they leave. Invite everyone to return in the New Year by casting 30 seconds of vision about the transformational topic tied to the first teaching series, or the life-changing truths ahead in the first January sermons. You’ve already planned the series or mapped out the scripture passages, why not share a hint of what lies ahead and why their lives could be different as a result? This doesn’t have to feel like a theatrical preview (but if you have a media team that can pull that off - why not?) because three simple sentences can say it all. First sentence: Why is this passage or topic relevant to the lives of your listeners? Second sentence: one exciting truth God has revealed or blown your mind with. Third sentence: How will they be more like Christ or grow in disciple-making maturity through these first few Sundays? Before everyone leaves to celebrate the birth of Jesus, invite them to return and grow closer to Jesus in the New Year.
The second place to drip vision on Christmas Eve is within the traditions defining your gathering. As you mark the moment through communion, carols, or candles, look forward to where God is leading by looking back to where He has led. Paint a vibrant picture of the gathering five or ten years from now and the impact you will celebrate. You could cast a vision for an emerging NextGen ministry by imagining how some of these kids may be here in service with their kids, anchored in the purpose God has given their families. This vision can bring hope and optimism for the future of your church. You could cast a vision for facility expansion or renovation through the imagery of disciple-making effectiveness through renewed ministry in new spaces. You could cast a vision for international impact through missions by switching the language of one Christmas carol verse.
The third place to drip vision as your church celebrates the birth of Christ is the Great Commission. Whether you’re preaching an entire sermon on Christmas Eve or sharing a devotional thought, don’t miss the opportunity to remind everyone that the calling of Christ might have begun in a manger, but it continues in the mission of your church. Christmas Eve is the perfect time to inspire outreach and fuel maturity among your people. Tie your calling to disciple-making back to the coming of Immanuel. Your church mission should send your church members to share the good news with great joy and remind everyone that He is with us to the end of the age. Leverage a moment with your mission to propel passion for Christ where your people live, work, and play.
As the Body of Christ gathers this Christmas to celebrate His birth, anchor your vision in His life and paint a picture of God’s better future as we live Immanuel in every day. To learn how Auxano might serve your church in this New Year, use this simple form to start a conversation with one of our Senior Lead Navigator team.
Bryan Rose serves as Auxano’s Director of Engagement and Senior Lead Navigator. Bryan lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee and enjoys stand-up comedy and fueling the creativity of everyone around him. Connect with Bryan on Instagram here or by email here.