December 18, 2018

Reading time: ONE MINUTE! (Christmas is next week!)  As if you didn’t know that.  Let’s get right to the point.

The joy of ministry can become strained if proclaiming the good news becomes just a matter of habit.  It’s a particular danger when the story is extremely familiar.  But the time a pastor has a half dozen Christmas Eve sermons under his belt, or a teacher has led the class through a half dozen pageants, we know the Luke 2 story by heart.  You probably had the whole chapter memorized by the sixth grade yourself.

So how do we stay fresh and creative, invigorated to share a story we’ve shared so many times before? Humility.  Be overwhelmed by the privilege of sharing the Christmas story.

It’s plausible, I suppose, that the angel on your shoulder this very moment was in the Bethlehem choir.  Think how humbled they were to be given the joyful task of singing to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth.  And since that angel is forbidden from a street corner proclamation on Christmas 2018, be humbled and awed that the Prince of Peace has invited you to stand in their place.  That’s holy ground.

You might think no one will ever remember, or greatly appreciate, your extra efforts this Advent and Christmas.  Please remember that nobody remembers the names of any of the shepherds, but we remember that they did “spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17).  History won’t remember your name.  Eternity will remember the long line of the faithful who boldly and joyously told the story, a line of which you are a part. Be humbled by the choir in which you sing.

And as you lead others in singing the songs of angel choirs this year, remember to blend your voice with theirs too.

Blessed, joyous Christmas to you!

Do you serve on a professional church worker conference planning committee?  Our staff has vast experience leading groups of all sizes from every church work background through innovative wellness programs custom designed to meet your needs.  Contact Program Director Darrell Zimmerman today to begin exploring the possibilities or visit our website to see some of our ideas for your conference!