Tips for Christmas communication as your church prepares services

Our churches need divine communication assistance to interrupt this noisy holiday season and have the world hear the real meaning of Christmas. There are many holiday communication tips we can learn from the nativity passages in Scripture.

Let’s look at some verses in Luke and Galatians to identify three foundational communication aspects that helped the Christmas story break through with the expectation of a Savior who would be born to bring salvation to a very dark world.

1. Clarity of message. In the Nativity story, the message of hope and salvation is delivered with utmost simplicity and clarity. For example: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord’” (Luke 2:10–11). Apply this principle to your church communication efforts. Whether it’s through your sermons, website, social media, or emails, ensure your messages are clear and understandable. Avoid unnecessary jargon and communicate in a way that resonates with your audience. Think about what your congregation needs to hear and present it in a straightforward manner. And be careful you don’t make your message too long. Editing is mandatory.
2. Use multiple channels. The Nativity story unfolds across various locations, from the humble stable to the fields of the shepherds, and even to the palaces of wise men. This teaches the importance of utilizing multiple channels for communication. For example: “When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:15–16). Your church’s message shouldn’t be confined to just one platform. Embrace a multichannel approach as one of the Christmas communication tips, leveraging your stage, website, social media channels, and email newsletters to reach different segments of your audience. This ensures your message is heard and understood by a broader spectrum of your audience. Where they are; when they need your message.
3. Timing is everything. The birth of Christ occurred at a pivotal moment in history, fulfilling prophecies and bringing hope. For example: “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4–5). Similarly, in your communication strategy, consider the timing and relevance of your message. Align your content with the current needs and concerns of your congregation and community. Whether it’s addressing contemporary issues or providing timely spiritual guidance, being in tune with current events and timing enhances the impact of your communication. Speak to their felt needs, at the right time, and it should ensure their attention.

As you prepare your services, learn from these Christmas communication tips, so you can bring a strong gospel message to your community that desperately seeks Light now, but also throughout the year!

EDITOR’S NOTE — Mark MacDonald is a communication pastor, speaker, consultant, bestselling author, church branding strategist for BeKnownforSomething.com and Executive Director of Center for Church Communication. His book “Be Known for Something” is available at BeKnownBook.com.