5 Ways to Creatively Source Your Christmas Service (and 20 resources to help you implement them)
There is oftentimes a gap between the decision to make Christmas creative and the implementation of it. Listed below are five types of creative elements you can incorporate into your Christmas services, and 20 resources to help you make them a possibility.
1. Visual/Graphics
Sometimes the simplest way to creatively source your Christmas service is by implementing visuals and graphics that compliment the service theme. Create a brand for your service by using the same image and text font in promotional materials, bulletins, and slide presentations.
Resources & Ideas
- Sermon Spice – Christmas still images
- Lightstock.com – Faith focused, Cheesy-free, Stock Photos and Footage
- Unsplash.com – Royalty Free, Hi-Resolution Stock Photos
- Canva.com – free online photo editing software
- PicMonkey.com – free online photo editing software
2. Drama
Adding a well-placed skit, monologue, or dramatic reading can act as a powerful illustration to your Christmas message. If talent or resources are tight, choose a script that uses minimal characters and props to communicate your point.
Resources & Ideas
- Christmas Monologues, Scripts & Service Ideas – via christinetrevino.com
- EngageWorship.org
- Lillenas Drama
- Skit Guys Scripts
- Willow Creek Association
3. Special Music
Instead of a traditional worship set, find an interesting arrangement of a Christmas song and use different instruments or vocal ensembles at different times in the service. If your church is extremely progressive, try a classic. If your church is a little more traditional, try a contemporary song. Remember change plus excellence can set the stage for meaningful life change.
Resources & Ideas
- Top 100 Christmas Worship Songs – via PraiseCharts
- 50 Contemporary Christian Christmas Songs – via MusicNotes Blog
- Top 15 (Classic) Christmas Song List for Churches – via LifeWay
- YouTube
Never underestimate the creative power of YouTube. When you’ve selected special music for your service, browse videos and arrangements of the song for more creative ideas.
4. Videos
If a picture says a thousand words, a video can say infinitely more (and also save a lot of back-end planning in the process).
Resources & Ideas
5. Congregational Experience
Present the congregation with something visual, tactile, or experiential. Provide an opportunity for them to participate in the elements of the service in a new way. Give congregants a token or takeaway to help them remember the main theme of the service. The possibilities with this one are literally endless.
Resources & Ideas
- Eleven Amazingly Creative Christmas Service Ideas for Church – via ShareFaith Magazine
#1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11 - Christmas Round-up Ideas for Next Year – via Evan Courtney for ChurchMarketingSucks.com
Under heading “Experiences”
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