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December 11, 2025
Dear Beloved in Christ,
December often feels like a whirlwind in the church. The steady progression from Advent to Christmas overlays the festive chaos of the secular holiday season, making this time especially busy. Those who’ve worked with me over the years know that I’m a “special kind of crazy” when it comes to preparing for Christmas Eve worship.
Why? Because I take the hymn People, Look East to heart:
"People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the guest, is on the way."
This year, we proclaim that same good news: Love, the Guest, is on the way! I sense that we may welcome many guests this Christmas—those seeking hope, peace, joy, and love. As we prepare our hearts and spaces for Christ’s birth, let us also prepare to welcome those worshipping for the first time with the love and grace that are hallmarks of our Lutheran faith.
Here are some practical ways to ensure our congregations are ready to embrace the stranger and make Love visible this Christmas Eve:
- Help people find the entrance. First-time worshippers often struggle to find the right door. Consider adding temporary signage to guide them to the sanctuary. Luminaries or outdoor greeters can also create a welcoming path and ensure no one feels lost before they even arrive.
- Help worshippers follow the service. Navigating worship can be daunting for those new to the church. An inclusive, single bulletin with clear instructions can make a huge difference. Take time to explain elements like the Passing of the Peace or the tradition of lighting candles during Silent Night.
- Welcome warmly but not to aggressively. The holidays are a natural time for people to return to church or explore faith for the first time. A warm greeting like, “It’s wonderful to see you; the body of Christ is more complete with you here,” can make first-time worshippers feel valued without pressure. If that seems too churchy, a simple, “it’s nice to see you, you are welcome back anytime,” can be better way to invite someone back than saying, “we hope to see you again.” If your church collects contact information, ensure everyone participates—it’s less intimidating for newcomers. And follow up with genuine care!
- The website’s where it’s at. Make sure your website and social media clearly list Christmas Eve service times and details. Share weekly reminders during Advent and include special events like pageants or cantatas. Clarity and visibility can help first-time worshippers feel confident about attending.
- ... it’s not why I came to your church. And while the above is all important, it’s not what causes people to come to church. Ultimately, most people visit a church because they were invited by someone they trust—a neighbor, friend, or coworker. This Christmas, I encourage you to extend a personal invitation to those who may be seeking a place to belong. The Holy Family was seeking a place to belong, maybe your neighbors are too.
In all your preparations this season, I pray you experience the joy of welcoming Christ anew – for I know that Love the Guest is on the way. May we embrace not just the Christ Child but also the unexpected ways God is drawing people to our doors.
Blessing on your preparations dear church!!
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