Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and peace… but too often it drives us crazy instead! Neverending to-do lists, fights with family, exhaustion and ingratitude can make the good news of Christ’s birth sound like a nightmare instead. Loosely following the Revised Common Lectionary for Year B, this sermon series invites your congregation to take a look at how they celebrate Christmas, and rethink their celebrations to more fully rest in that glorious peace on Earth.
Week 1: “Releasing Frustration, Finding Hope”
Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11 + Mark 1:1-8
(NB: these are the Advent II readings, switched for thematic purposes)
The opening texts of Advent point us to two things–comfort and change. Even while we’re barreling ahead with the stress of Christmas preparations, Isaiah promises that God’s dream for us is not exhaustion and frustration but comfort. In the gospel, John the Baptist encourages us to repent–to change. It may seem impossible to change any of our Christmas traditions, but encourage your congregation to look at what they are doing and see if any of it is bringing diminishing returns. Give them permission to do less or do differently if it will bring more room for hope into their lives.
Week 2: “Releasing Anxiety, Finding Peace”
Scripture: Mark 13:24-37
(NB: these are the Advent I readings, switched for thematic purposes)
At first read, the apocalyptic imagery in this gospel scripture doesn’t lend itself to reducing our anxiety! But the final command of this passage is to stay awake–to not let our worries, big or small, pull our focus from Christ. Invite your congregation to explore a few spiritual practices, like breath prayers, meditation, or Sabbath–that reduce anxiety and increase focus.
Week 3: “Releasing Control, Finding Joy”
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 + Luke 1:46-55
Both these scriptures speak to the deep joy found in the coming of the Lord into our lives. But too often at Christmas we see joy as something we have to create or even purchase our way to. We can make ourselves miserable trying to arrange celebrations for everyone else. Encourage your congregation to seek the joy that God has placed around them, rather than run themselves ragged trying to fake it.
Week 4: “Releasing Perfection, Finding Love”
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
Luke’s familiar telling of the birth of Christ is full of strange and messy details. The situation surrounding Christ’s birth was far from perfect–Mary’s heavily pregnant journey to Bethlehem, being turned away at the inn, giving birth in a stable, a baby in a feeding trough. Yet it was suffused through with love, because God had come to be with God’s people, as the Word made flesh. As we approach Christmas day, remind your congregation that their presence with their people matters far more than any imagined “perfect Christmas.”
Ministry Resources
Christmas Without the Crazy Liturgy
- Advent Wreath Candlelighting Liturgies
- Weekly Call to Worship
- Weekly Confessional Prayer
- a Communion Liturgy
Christmas Without the Crazy Graphics (editable Canva templates)
Deep Well Worship 