The nativity scenes are on exhibit, the temperatures are falling, and the trees are being decorated. This can only imply that Christmas is just around the corner! Christmas should be a special time for churches as we worship Jesus. It is so simple to get lost in the rush and bustle of the holiday season.
The Christmas season is a great time to consciously reach out to your community and there are many beautiful Christmas events you may take part in as a church. Many people who don’t attend church are looking for Christmas activities for their families or somewhere to go on Christmas Eve, and there might be some needy families in your neighborhood that might need some assistance this holiday season.
Celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas with your friends, family, your church, and the people in your neighborhood.
Christmas lights
Your church’s Christmas decorations may seem great, but if they are put up quickly, they may occasionally result in mishaps. You can make sure kids are safe by taking a few easy actions. When hanging the lights, you should use caution to ensure that they are hung up securely and that the power leads are not a trip risk. Additionally, you should frequently check the lights to make sure they are secure.
Christmas tree
Christmas trees are a beautiful complement to any holiday décor, but they also pose certain risks. Planning carefully where to plant the tree is the best method to avoid these risks.
Host a Christmas program.
Christmas shows come in a variety of formats. Invite some local artists to perform in a Christmas concert, or hold a “all call” to invite residents to form a choir one evening.
A large, free event may even unite your entire neighborhood. Of course, a candlelight service is always a lovely custom for both churchgoers and people who are not religious.
Facilitate a holiday market.
Holiday craft and arts fairs are a fantastic method for your community to engage members who might not typically attend your church as well as provide them the chance to spend locally this season. It truly benefits both parties—you support regional artists while also increasing awareness of your church.
Participate in your local Christmas parade.
Participating in the neighborhood Christmas parade is a wonderful opportunity for your church to be visible in your neighborhood. Your youth ministry might enjoy taking part in this activity. Get the youth group members to dress up, distribute candy, or go all out and create a float, then borrow a flatbed trailer. The whole family will enjoy it, and you can hand out flyers for your Christmas Eve services to those who attend the procession.
Create an Advent calendar.
Organize a gathering where family can make Advent calendars for their houses. Kids can enjoy themselves while learning about the coming of Jesus by doing this. They are also welcome to invite their schoolmates.
Have an “Adopt an Angel” tree.
Creating a “Adopt an Angel” tree and buying Christmas presents for children who might not otherwise receive any is a common custom for many churches.
Join forces with a nearby soup kitchen.
Give the displaced individuals in your neighborhood a hot supper along with the members of your church. If your church doesn’t have enough room to accommodate a big gathering of people for a meal, consider collaborating with a nearby soup kitchen or donating food to an organization that helps the homeless in your area.
Go caroling!
Assemble your choir members and any other singing volunteers, then go door-to-door carolling in the areas around your church. For the Christmas Eve service at your church, you may hand out postcards. Alternatively, take it a step further by singing carols at a nursing home or hospital nearby to cheer up individuals who are unable to go.
Host a coat drive.
Not everyone has the means to purchase the items they need to stay warm during the chilly Christmas season. Do a warm clothing drive and ask your congregation to bring jackets, heavy clothing, socks, hats, gloves, and blankets for all ages. Then, donate the items to a nearby shelter for the homeless, a charitable organization, or families in your church that you are aware are in need.
Assist with present wrapping.
Everyone enjoys opening presents, but not everyone likes to wrap them! Create gift-wrapping stations so surrounding residents and workers can drop off their gifts to be wrapped by church members. This is a fantastic approach to engage newcomers who have never visited your church and lessen some of the stress of the holiday season for your church’s members.