Looking for More This Christmas

Advent and Christmas, especially Christmas Eve, present a significant opportunity for your parish, whatever kind of parish you have. It’s just the season of the year when many people are simply looking for more: more meaning, more connection, more encouragement.

Here are three ideas that might help:

Christmas Decorations

In observance of Advent, we do not decorate the church sanctuary for Christmas, but there is nothing to say we can’t decorate the exterior. Christmas decorations are a festive and fun way to remind the community who and what this season is all about. Use your permanent signage, or create seasonal signage promoting your Mass times and succinctly, but sincerely indicating all are welcome.

Advent & Christmas Children’s Ministry

We have an expression around here “Do something for my kid and you’re doing something for me!” If a visitor or newcomer visits your church this December and discovers an accessible, welcoming program for their kids or grandkids, it can be a powerful incentive to come back. If you don’t have anything currently planned, it's never too late: a thoughtful, simple children’s Liturgy of the Word for Christmas Eve can be most effective. A living tableau of the Nativity following Communion (accompanied by a soft Communion mediation) could be quite moving and is probably going to be relatively easy to pull off in the days before Christmas. For sure, you are not going to have any trouble finding volunteers.

The Christmas Homily

If you’re responsible for preaching this Christmas, prioritize writing your homily early so you can spend time polishing and practicing it. A clear, concise, and heartfelt message can make a lasting impact. Focus on the universal themes of Christmas – hope, joy, love, and the light of Christ breaking into the darkness. Aim to connect with both regular parishioners and newcomers, remembering that many in attendance may not visit often.

A story, personal or relatable, can draw people in and make the Gospel message resonate. Keep it simple, welcoming, and inspiring, so that everyone leaves feeling touched by the true meaning of Christmas and perhaps looking for more in their relationship with God.

This Christmas, your parish has the chance to be exactly what so many are looking for – a place of hope, connection, and meaning. Through thoughtful decorations, a welcoming children’s ministry, and a heartfelt Christmas homily, you can create an experience that draws people closer to Christ. Remember, for many, Christmas Eve Mass is just a tradition; but it can be an opportunity to rekindle their faith or take a first step on their spiritual journey.

By preparing well and being intentional, you can ensure that everyone who walks through your doors leaves feeling inspired and embraced by the love of God. This Christmas, let your parish be a beacon of light and an invitation to experience something truly life-changing!