Last Updated: November 2016
Every year, Christmas seems to always be “right around the corner.” Right after the turkey settles from Thanksgiving, we have to literally roll into the Christmas season. Now is the time to get together your Christmas sermon ideas and start planning for one of the most important events in the church calendar. Here are some of our best Christmas sermon ideas to get you prepared.
Best Christmas Sermon Ideas
Do Something Different
First, try to think of something different to do this year. Unless your church has its roots deep in some important tradition, you may want to consider doing something that you’ve never done before. If you always have a Christmas cantata, try a Christmas play. The point is not to reinvent Christmas conventions, but rather to engage people’s interest through variety.
Stick to Scripture
Although variety and creativity are important, keep Scripture at the center. The Christmas story is contained in the Bible. Whatever you choose to do, make Scripture part of it. There is power in God’s Words, so don’t neglect it, especially at Christmas.
Tell the Story
Have you ever “preached” by telling a story? The story method of communication is one of the oldest and most powerful. The Christmas narrative lends itself perfectly to this mode of proclamation. Rather than the three-points-and-a-poem sermon outline, perhaps you can retell the Christmas story with conversation, props, dialogue, and the beautiful story of redemption.
Use Visuals
You can easily enhance any sermon or topic with well-designed visuals. As you prepare for your Christmas sermon, be sure to incorporate a range of church media options. Church media for Christmas is a must-have, regardless of your Christmas sermon topic. Here are some links to get you started:
Christmas Sermon PowerPoints
Christmas Church Videos
Christmas Church Bulletins
Christmas Church Worship Backgrounds
Follow Prophecies
Christ’s birth did not occur as a shocking surprise, pulled out as a sudden idea by God. The prophets told about the coming Messiah centuries before he was born. One of the most engaging ways to tell the Christmas story is to trace these prophecies throughout the Old Testament, leading to the climactic event of Jesus’ birth. Realizing that Jesus’ incarnation was foretold long in advance heighten’s our awe and wonder at his sacrifice.
Explain the Incarnation
“Incarnation” can be an opaque or intimidating term. Nonetheless, the incarnation is what Christmas is all about. By explaining the term and its significance, you can highlight the absolute necessity of Christ’s coming as a man — in flesh.
Preach the Gospel
The gospel is at the center of the Christmas story. More than likely, when you preach during the Christmas season, there will be unsaved people who are listening. Tell them the good news — the story of Redemption and Hope. Tell them about Jesus’ birth and death. Tell about his birth and his resurrection. Tell them about Christ’s holiness and their sinfulness. Tell them about the glorious salvation that can be theirs in Christ. That’s the best Christmas sermon idea of all.
