Leading Worship During the Christmas Season
http://www.praisecharts.com/live/articles/464/1/Leading-Worship-During-the-Christmas-Season/Page1.html
John Telman
John served as worship
pastor for the past 26 years in Canada, the United States and Singapore. He is
presently the senior pastor of Abundant Life Pentecostal Assembly in Cranbrook
British Columbia, Canada. His desire is to focus on and celebrate Jesus Christ.
You can visit John on his personal website at: www.trulyworship.com By John Telman
Published on November 19, 2008
Someone once asked me what to sing during special times of the year. After all, there are not many songs that have been written for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and the rest of the holidays. Christmas, on the other hand, seems simple when it comes to choosing songs, but has its challenges...
Someone once asked me what to sing during special times of the year. After all, there are not many songs that have been written for Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, and the rest of the holidays. Christmas, on the other hand, seems simple when it comes to choosing songs, but has its challenges when it comes to worship. Remember, worship is the direct adoration of Jesus Christ.
Many of the beautiful Christmas carols really are not "worship" songs. They tell the story of the incarnation, but do they really put into words praise or adoration or exultation of the Lord?
Let's look at it this way: "O Come Let Us Adore Him" is a "call to worship". "Silent Night", "The First Noel", "Away in a Manger" and "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" are story songs. These are cherished songs, but they are not songs that speak of who Jesus is. They fit the season, but what about the vertical songs of praise and worship? (for more on this, see http://www.praisecharts.com/live/articles/359/1/The-Direction-and-Meaning-of-Songs/Page1.html).
However, songs like "Emmanuel" and "Perfect Love" from Hillsongs are great songs to take us into the inner court. And Tommy Walker's song, "I Vow to Worship You" is another song that will help keep the focus on Jesus.
To lead worship during the Christmas season, don't settle for the nostalgic. Dig a little deeper and find the songs that will help the congregation voice their worship to Jesus. In case you struggle with finding that "just right" song, take songs that most people know and slightly change the words so that the direction is vertical. A song often used this way is "O Come All Ye Faithful". Adding the verse "For you alone are worthy" turns the attention upward to the Lord.
Also, some songs that cover both Christmas and the Resurrection Season can be used. An example would be "Lord I lift Your Name On High". The first section refers to the incarnation.
In addition, prepare to celebrate. Of course, the selection of songs will have much to do with this, but create an atmosphere of joy. Break out with interludes where musicians can express their worship. If they love the Lord and truly play for the glory of God, they will enjoy the opportunity.
Let congregational worship burst forth with free expressions of adoration. Aside from special musical or theatrical presentations, there should be an electricity in the air. Worship is participatory, so during this season, it is important to engage everyone. Christmas unites the church with one theme and that is the celebration of Jesus.
Many of the beautiful Christmas carols really are not "worship" songs. They tell the story of the incarnation, but do they really put into words praise or adoration or exultation of the Lord?
Let's look at it this way: "O Come Let Us Adore Him" is a "call to worship". "Silent Night", "The First Noel", "Away in a Manger" and "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" are story songs. These are cherished songs, but they are not songs that speak of who Jesus is. They fit the season, but what about the vertical songs of praise and worship? (for more on this, see http://www.praisecharts.com/live/articles/359/1/The-Direction-and-Meaning-of-Songs/Page1.html).
However, songs like "Emmanuel" and "Perfect Love" from Hillsongs are great songs to take us into the inner court. And Tommy Walker's song, "I Vow to Worship You" is another song that will help keep the focus on Jesus.
To lead worship during the Christmas season, don't settle for the nostalgic. Dig a little deeper and find the songs that will help the congregation voice their worship to Jesus. In case you struggle with finding that "just right" song, take songs that most people know and slightly change the words so that the direction is vertical. A song often used this way is "O Come All Ye Faithful". Adding the verse "For you alone are worthy" turns the attention upward to the Lord.
Also, some songs that cover both Christmas and the Resurrection Season can be used. An example would be "Lord I lift Your Name On High". The first section refers to the incarnation.
In addition, prepare to celebrate. Of course, the selection of songs will have much to do with this, but create an atmosphere of joy. Break out with interludes where musicians can express their worship. If they love the Lord and truly play for the glory of God, they will enjoy the opportunity.
Let congregational worship burst forth with free expressions of adoration. Aside from special musical or theatrical presentations, there should be an electricity in the air. Worship is participatory, so during this season, it is important to engage everyone. Christmas unites the church with one theme and that is the celebration of Jesus.