Every year on December 25, Christians celebrate Christmas to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God and our Savior. In Western culture, Christmas also includes some non-religious elements, like the story of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, holiday cards, and the tradition of exchanging gifts.
Of course, the Christmas celebration service will be held either at the church or in the community. If you’re involved in planning the Christmas festivities, here’s a sample worship program you can use as a reference.
Christmas Celebration Schedule
1. Opening by the MC
At church Christmas celebrations, the event is usually led by an MC, or Master of Ceremony. The MC’s job is to keep everything on track and make sure the event flows smoothly.
To start things off, the MC will introduce themselves, welcome everyone, thank them for coming, and remind everyone why we’re here. They’ll also go over the schedule for the day’s activities.
Plus, the MC is there to keep the energy up and make sure the event feels engaging while still being respectful. That’s why it’s important to pick someone who’s a good speaker for this role.
2. Quiet Time
After the Christmas service, we have a Quiet Time. This part of the worship program is all about taking a moment for silence and connecting with God, allowing everyone to prepare their hearts and minds for worship.
3. Opening Song
Next, we move on to the opening song. This is when we sing a hymn to create the right atmosphere for worship. Everyone is invited to stand during this part.
Some examples of songs that can be sung to kick off the Christmas service include "Hari Mari Berhimpun," "Terpujilah Allah," "Hai Dunia, Gembirkan," "Hai, Siarkan di Gunung," and other Christmas songs that have a more secular feel.
4. Votum and Greeting
Votums and greetings come from traditions in Dutch churches. They’re included in the liturgy to help distinguish worship from other types of gatherings. The votum reminds us that God the Creator is at the heart of our worship.
The greeting is another important part of the opening liturgy. For example, during the Christmas service, we might say, "Greetings, greetings!" in the section called "The peace you bring is incomparable." During this time, everyone stays standing.
5. Congregational Praise
Singing together is a key part of the Christmas service. It’s our way of celebrating God’s greatness and power. Some of the favorite hymns we sing during Christmas include KJ 92 "Holy Night," KJ 94 "O Little Town of Bethlehem," KJ 96 "In the Silent Night Resounding," KJ 99 "Gita Sorga Bergema," and others.
6. Opening Prayer
The opening prayer for the Christmas service typically expresses gratitude for the birth of Jesus and hopes for a wonderful service. This prayer is usually led by the Christmas committee.
Along with the opening prayer, Christians can also offer intercessory prayers to honor Jesus' birth. These prayers are said on behalf of others, like praying for fellow church members or our country. After that, we usually move on to more singing together.
7. Committee Welcome
In many Christmas services, it’s common to have a welcome message from the committee after the congregational singing and opening prayer. This speech officially kicks off the Christmas celebration.
Usually, the committee chair will invite everyone to enjoy this special time with family, friends, and the community. The speech often shares feelings of gratitude and joy for the birth of Jesus Christ.
8. Candle Lighting
The candle lighting ceremony is a beloved tradition during Christmas and Easter celebrations. Beautifully decorated wooden poles hold the Christmas candles, which are often adorned with fir branches. These candles represent the hope of God’s light coming into the world.
Typically, the lighting is done by the chair of the Christmas committee, the pastor, a local leader, or another special guest. As the congregation sits, organ music plays in the background. Once all the candles are lit, everyone is invited to stand and sing a hymn together.
9. Christmas Drama
Christmas plays are a beloved part of the holiday celebrations. They usually tell the story of Jesus Christ's birth but can also touch on themes like brotherhood and kindness.
The main idea is to share a moral message that really resonates with the audience. You’ll often see children taking the stage to perform these plays during Christmas festivities, adding a special charm to the occasion.
10. Poetry Reading
In addition to the dramas, poetry readings are another popular activity during Christmas celebrations. These readings serve as both an offering and a way to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and the significance of Christ.
Christmas poetry tends to be heartfelt and meaningful, often featuring a unique style and rhythm. It frequently includes figurative language and metaphors. After the poetry reading, the program usually continues with congregational singing and prayer, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
11. Closing and Blessing
The Christmas program wraps up with the MC sharing some final thoughts, often along with a few words from the committee. They also hand out gifts to everyone in the congregation. To top it all off, there’s usually a brief blessing prayer to close the event.
The example above is a Christmas worship program you might want to consider. Just remember that Christmas celebrations in Indonesia can differ a lot because of the various local traditions and cultures. So, keep that in mind when you’re planning your program.
Also, while you’re celebrating Christmas with worship, don’t forget to show some love to your closest friends and family with special gifts and hampers! Studiokado has a great selection of Christmas hampers that you can pick from for your loved ones.
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