With Christmas just a few weeks ahead, we want to help you enter the season remembering the wonder of Christmas. We know church leaders can often find themselves swept up in the busyness of the planning, hosting events and extra services.
With all the focus on ensuring others experience the wonder of Christmas, we know it’s easy for leaders to miss the awe of the season for themselves. But what if, even in the midst of all the crazy, YOU could recapture the wonder and beauty of Christmas as well?
Here are a few simple ways church leaders can remember to not miss the wonder this year.
1. Create Space for Personal Worship
In the hustle and bustle of preparing services for others, don’t forget your own personal time with the Lord. Carve out moments of stillness to hear the Lord (I Kings 19:12), whether that’s in the early morning before the day gets hectic or late at night after everything is quiet. Take time to read the familiar Christmas story with fresh eyes. Reflect on passages like Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2 not as sermon prep, but for your personal connection with the Lord. Let yourself be in awe of Jesus coming to Earth.
2. Lead Special Worship Moments
As a church leader, you help shape unexpected moments in services that help others experience the wonder of Christmas. As you facilitate these beautiful moments, remember they can also be a chance for you to breathe, reflect and connect with God, even while you’re leading others. Don’t miss those moments!
3. Plan Time to Admire the Beauty of Christmas
Sometimes the simplest activities can bring the greatest sense of wonder. Set aside time, even just an hour, to drive around with your family to admire Christmas lights.
Our team shared some of our own special family moments that might inspire you. Mine involves Christmas Eve gas station dinner! Whether it’s decorating the tree, baking cookies or watching a favorite Christmas movie, these traditions can ground you in the joy of being present with those you love. These small, intentional times can help you to refresh during the season.
4. Celebrate with Your Team
Take time to celebrate with your church staff and ministry teams. Whether it’s through a team Christmas breakfast, a white elephant gift exchange or simply sharing stories of how God is working, find joy in those you’re serving alongside. These moments can help foster community and remind everyone that the work you’re doing is so full of purpose!
5. Say “No” to One Thing
Choose one thing in your schedule that’s good, but not essential, and allow yourself the freedom to step back. It could be attending one fewer event or delegating a task that’s been weighing you down. Saying no can help make space for reflection and worship during a busy season.
6. Pause to Reflect on Your Impact
Finally, remember that the work you’re doing matters. Even if you’re feeling exhausted, pause and reflect on the lives that are being impacted by the Christmas services and the acts of kindness your church is extending to the community. It’s in these moments of reflection that we remember the wonder.
As a church leader, you play such an important role in helping others experience the wonder of Christmas.
But don’t lose sight of what Christmas is for you, too. This Christmas season, may you find time to be still, embrace the wonder and celebrate the arrival of the Savior with hope, peace, love and joy.
