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The Children’s Christmas Service7 Ways to Make this Year Special

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It’s a beloved tradition in many churches—the children’s Christmas service. You do it every year and everyone genuinely looks forward to it.

It is always a wonderful event, but are you looking for ways to make this year’s program just a little bit different, a little bit more special? Here’s how:

Send out invitations. The service times and dates are most likely listed in the bulletin and newsletter, but consider sending out themed or student-decorated invitations. (Did you know CTA offers FREE downloadable invitations for children’s Christmas services?) Remember to invite people who would not ordinarily come and be sure to offer to give them rides. If you’re afraid the main event might be too crowded, open your dress rehearsal to special guests as well.

Go on the road: Create excitement for your event by taking your students to the nursing home, around town to carol for shut-ins, or to the afternoon ladies’ group at your church. Have them sing a few of the songs from the service and share part of their message.

Bulletin covers. Along with festive invitations, print full-color bulletins, too. (CTA has these for FREE in the Resource & Idea Center.) If you have a few artistic students, have them design the bulletin covers.

Add a little something fun. Most Christmas services include speaking parts, singing, and a dramatic telling of the nativity story. Help each child be personally involved and excited about the service by adding instruments like jingle bells, tambourines, or individual drums during one of the songs. Use visual elements like candles or glow sticks to brighten a darkened sanctuary and surprise your guests.

Congregation participation. Rather than just watching, invite the congregation to be involved in the service by singing some of the hymns, participating in some of the readings or speaking parts, and joining in with the bells and candles.

Children’s message. Your students are sharing the Good News of Jesus’ birth with their friends and families. They have been practicing for a while and most of the service is routine to them by now.  Consider adding a short children’s message somewhere during the service to give them a new perspective on the message they are sharing.

Give them something to remember. Send a gift home with the worshipers and students to help them remember the message. Don’t forget to include your church’s information and an invitation to future services.

Most importantly, surround your service in prayer. Ask God to bring your message to those who need to hear the Good News of Jesus’ birth. Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill the hearts of the speakers and listeners so that everyone will be blessed by God’s love and His presence among us.

 

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The post The Children’s Christmas Service7 Ways to Make this Year Special appeared first on CTA, Inc. | The Community Website for Christian Ministry Gifts.


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