Christmas Eve is one of the most attended services of the year, giving pastors a unique opportunity to clearly and creatively communicate the gospel. It’s a special opportunity when guests and regular members come with expectant hearts. Here are seven tips to help your church be known for something impactful: presenting the timeless gospel message of Jesus in a fresh, memorable way:
1. Keep it simple and relatable
The gospel is impactful yet beautifully simple: God sent His Son to save humanity. So, avoid overcomplicated theology. Instead, share a clear, relatable message that connects in the room, from skeptics to believers.
Idea: Use a personal story or everyday analogy to illustrate the hope and love of Christ. When your church communicates the gospel in a relatable way, you’ll be known for something that resonates with everyone.
2. Speak to the wound
Christmas is not joyful for everyone. Acknowledge the pain some may carry — grief, loneliness, or stress. When you authentically acknowledge struggles, it opens the door for the gospel’s healing message.
Idea: Use language like, “For many, this season is heavy. But Jesus entered a broken world to bring hope and light. That’s the good news we celebrate tonight.”
3. Leverage nostalgia creatively
Nostalgia can be a powerful bridge to the gospel. Reference Christmas traditions, music, or films, and connect them to the greater biblical story of Christ’s birth.
Idea: Use classic Christmas movie imagery to highlight themes of redemption, purpose, and grace.
4. Use visual storytelling
Enhance your sermon with visuals that connect the nativity to today’s world.
Idea: Consider projecting artwork, short videos (you have the rights to), or even live elements like a nativity reenactment.
5. End with a clear next step
Christmas Eve services can feel like a one-time event for many guests. Encourage them to take the next step, whether that’s returning for the next service, joining a small group, or meeting someone in the lobby.
Idea: Include an invitation card in the seat with information about your next sermon series detailing why they need to come back or even a QR code to let them view a short promotional video.
6. Incorporate the congregation’s senses
Create an immersive experience to help attendees fully engage with the message on multiple levels. Use light, sound, and even smells to underscore your sermon. The more senses, the better the connection.
Idea: Dim the lights during a key moment, light a single candle, and emphasize how Jesus is the light of the world breaking through the darkness. Unique moments like this will live on past the service.
7. Highlight the global gospel
Christmas can feel local and familiar, but the gospel is for all nations. Incorporate a global perspective to broaden attendees’ understanding of the message. This may be a great time to share what your church members do through the work of the International Mission Board.
Idea: Read part of the Christmas story in another language, share how believers in a different country celebrate the birth of Christ, or FaceTime with a missionary. This helps your church be known for something bigger: the gospel’s universal power and relevance.
This article was originally published on LifewayResearch.com.
Mark MacDonald is communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com, empowering thousands of pastors and churches to become known for something relevant (a communication thread). His church branding book, Be Known for Something, is available at BeKnownBook.com. @markmac1023
