Decorating your church sanctuary for Christmas isn’t an easy task. Church sanctuaries are very large rooms with several different kinds of surfaces. Let us review the ideas for decorating a church sanctuary for Christmas, decorating a church sanctuary for Christmas and church sanctuary design ideas. The light that comes in is often not very bright. Keep these guidelines in mind as you are planning to design your sanctuary decorations this year. These rules will also apply to designing a place of worship or any other large space with a central focus.
While churches have been decorating their sanctuaries for Christmas for many years, it has become more standardized in the last 25 years. The following post contains 15 great ideas to make your church sanctuary really come alive during the holiday season. Some of these designs will take some thought and money as you may need to add onto your sanctuary in order to accomplish them, but they are all doable if you want a beautiful decoration that will put others in awe of the holiday spirit!
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Decorating A Church Sanctuary For Christmas
Use actual candles, or candles in lanterns, near the back of the stage or altar area to add a meditative, reflective touch. Candles, most likely safer LED or electric candles, may be placed on window sills to illuminate the church sanctuary during a Christmas Eve service with dimmed lighting.
The holidays are a great time to decorate your church sanctuary. It’s a place where the congregation gathers, and what better way to greet visitors than with decorations highlighting the joy of Christmas? I’ve learned over the years that it’s often best to start with one central piece and work out from there. So, for example, if you have a beautiful tree in the middle of your sanctuary, then you can accent that with smaller arrangements on tables. If you have a large mantle above your fireplace or wood stove, then there are lots of ways you can decorate that as well. Here are some ideas:
Christmas Stage Decorations Church
Theme
When you are decorating the sanctuary for Christmas, it is important to have a theme that ties all of your decorations together. Your theme can be something as simple as coordinating colors or choosing a style such as traditional or modern. You could also choose a phrase that reflects the meaning of Christmas. This will make it easier to choose decorations as well as help visitors understand what they are seeing when they come into your church at Christmastime. A good way to start this process is by looking around your church and thinking about what makes it special and unique.
Tree
Choose a tree that fits the space. Whether you have a large nave or a small chapel, there are options for trees of every size and shape.
Choose a tree in good health and shape. A freshly cut tree will be more flexible and easier to decorate than an older one, but if you’re buying your own live tree and placing it in storage at home after Christmas (or another holiday season), consider skipping this step so as not to waste money on something that will die shortly after being lit up with lights and baubles!
Mantle
The mantle is a great place to display a cross or Nativity scene. The cross will be seen by everyone who enters the sanctuary during Christmas, and it can be changed up each year. If you’re feeling really ambitious, consider hanging pictures of church members on the mantle—it’s a great way for parishioners to feel like they are part of something special!
Table arrangements
A table arrangement is a simple, seasonal centerpiece that can be used in the sanctuary or in a side chapel. Table arrangements are typically made from dried flowers, moss and greenery surrounding the base of an artificial candle. The main goal of table arrangements is to create an elegant atmosphere without being too overstated. Many churches use these centerpieces during Advent and Christmas services as they symbolize Christ’s birth and light respectively.
Candles
- Candles are a great way to add light to the church sanctuary.
- They can also be used to create a mood, theme or focal point in your display.
- Candles can be used in many different ways.
- To create an all-out display of candles
- As part of an altar arrangement or display of flowers or greenery
- In combination with other decorations such as garland, tinsel and ribbons
Candle holders should be sturdy enough that they will not tip over easily under normal circumstances (such as when someone bumps into them).
Knick-knacks
The most expensive part of decorating a sanctuary is the items you buy at craft stores, dollar stores or thrift stores. You may want to focus on inexpensive home decor items that can be used year after year in your church. Two ideas are:
- Knick-knacks: Use your imagination! Throw together some knick-knacks from your house, garage and yard that have been collecting dust for years. Make sure they are clean and free of dust before bringing them into the sanctuary so as not to disturb other people’s worship time with sneezing and coughing fits! Bring in potpourri, fake flowers, pictures of pets (even if someone brings their pet), candy dish collections like those hearts made out of chocolate confections or plastic toy soldiers from World War II era toys with guns drawn at each other (but pointing down). Remember that these would not normally be allowed inside the church unless it was an exception like this one, but don’t let it stop you from making them work! Just think how nice it will look when everyone comes back after Easter break because they’ll see something new they’ve never seen before: their pastor’s wife’s DIY creations!
Simple Christmas Decoration Ideas For Church
Church sanctuaries can make festive, charming Christmas displays. The church sanctuary is the place where worship is held and can be decorated with a theme. You can decorate your church sanctuary with a tree, mantle or table arrangement.
Church Sanctuary Design Ideas
The following steps should be taken to decorate a church sanctuary for Christmas:
- Remove any existing decorations and clean the space.
- Put up the lights, greenery and bows on the columns, then hang the stockings with care.
- Place candles throughout the room in appropriate spots, making sure they are stable and won’t tip over easily.
- Cover the altar with a tablecloth that matches your theme colors and hang some more greenery on top of it (if possible).
- Place poinsettias around the room as accents to bring out some more holiday cheer!
Ideas for Decorating A Church Sanctuary For Christmas
When it comes to decorating a church sanctuary for Christmas, there are many things to consider.
First, you’ll have to decide whether or not you want to participate in a traditional Christmas service or something else. If you’re going for the traditional service, then you’ll want to make sure that all of your decorations are related to that theme. For example, if you’re doing a Nativity scene, then most likely you’ll want to focus on using reds, greens, and golds in order to evoke an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
If you’re not doing a traditional service, then there are still some guidelines that you can follow when trying to create the perfect setting for your congregation at this time of year. If you decide to use candles as part of your decorations, be sure to place them far enough away from any flammable materials, such as carpeting or curtains, so that no one could possibly burn themselves while they are spending time together during Sunday services.
Another option is using artificial trees instead of real ones because they tend to last longer but also require less maintenance overall (such as dusting off leaves every few weeks). However, if you do decide on using real trees instead, then be sure
The sanctuary is the most prominent place in a church, and it is where the congregation gathers for worship. In order to make it welcoming and inviting, you will need to decorate it with beautiful Christmas decorations.
There are many different types of Christmas decorations that you can use for decorating your church sanctuary. You can choose from many different styles and colors, so you should pick something that fits with the theme of your church. You can also add some personal touches by adding ornaments from your family members or favorite holiday traditions.
Church Sanctuary Decor Ideas
I was glad when they said unto me,” let us go into the house of the LORD,” is the psalm that I sing as I prepare to go to church. I feel excited knowing that I will pour out my spirit before God.
When I get to church, the first thing that I see is the crucifix, which stirs up my spirit as I recall how much pain my Lord went through for me to secure a place in the heart of our Father. We can embellish our churches with this kind of decor that will help the congregants feel the incredible love of God as they continue to worship.
1. Welcome, Get Ready to Worship Door Sign
Whenever I travel by plane, the first thing I hear once we liftoff is the voice of the pilot welcoming us aboard. I’ve come to look forward to that voice. Something about it, over the years, has led me to feel not just safe and seen but welcomed and appreciated.
I have a similar feeling when I enter my church’s doors and see the welcome sign on the door. I would recommend that you put a welcome sign decor at the door of your church or sanctuary to help visitors and members feel welcomed as they enter the Church Sanctuary.
2. Amazing Grace Backdrop by Christian Walls
When the dreaded pandemic began, many churches around the world closed their doors and opened their social media channels. Some pastors shared the word from their couches and others from office chairs; either way, one thing was the same – when using video streaming services, their backgrounds were visible to everyone else.
The above canvas is the best for online worship sessions. It provides privacy in those moments when we have our cameras on and saves us from those awkward moments that we’ve become all too familiar with in this video-calling age. The canvas is inscribed with the word ‘Amazing Grace,’ and it will give the most inspiring spiritual sensation for your viewers.
This could look great in a Church Sanctuary or Church hallways too.
3. Isaiah 9:6 Vinyl Wall Art Decal
My childhood memories have hardly faded away. Today, I can still remember the first Christmas tree I saw in the local sanctuary; it was beautifully decorated with well-lit string lights, all with brilliant shapes and colors.
This wall decal in the hallways at church is sure to bring back sweet memories for all who see it. As you worship, the beautiful names of Jesus will be displayed in your very eyes.
4. Jesus is Calling wall clock
Whenever my phone rings and my father’s name is reflected on the caller’s ID, I usually stop everything I am doing and talk with him. Today, Jesus is calling all the heavy-laden to give them rest.
When anyone visits your sanctuary and sees this clock hanging on your wall, even if they are going through difficulties, this wall clock will help them to take their burdens to the cross and submit to Jesus in prayer.
5. Names of God Banner
I have a habit of not concentrating when announcements are being made in church. On occasion, a message on my phone or a fresh trending social media post will divert me.
It can be challenging to focus, but I believe that if this banner were on my sanctuary walls, I would be too busy reading it, trying to master the different names of God and how they apply to my life instead of going online and being distracted by anything else.
6. Psalm 122:1 Vinyl Wall Decal
The joy and excitement that I experience when at church cannot be compared to any other feeling. I sometimes think to myself that if Jesus were to come at that moment for His people, He wouldn’t leave me behind.
When I am inside the sanctuary, I always feel that I am doing the right thing and at the right place. I feel embraced and lovedby my Father. I experience His agape love and am convinced in my spirit that nothing can separate me from His love in Christ Jesus.
7. Church Collection and Comment Box
It may seem odd to some, but I don’t like it when my fellow church brethren see what I give for tithe and collection. I am also the kind of person who loves dropping my questions, concerns, and ideas in our church’s comment box. I like the idea of being transparent and private all at the same time.
I think sanctuaries should definitely have this box. It would be helpful for both the members making the suggestions (privacy) and for the church board handling them (convenience).
8. Two Doves Wooden Wall Decor
Many Christians know that the dove symbol represents the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended from Heaven in a bodily form of a dove.
A church sanctuary with this beautiful wooden décor will create an atmosphere that will remind the saints of the Holy Spirit’s presence. He is invisible, but the décor will serve as a reminder of His presence, just like the ark of the covenant reminded the Israelites about God’s presence.
9. Jesus – The Way the Truth and the Life Church Sanctuary Decor
My closest friend is my husband, but there are some things he can’t do for me, for example, healing me when I am sick. That is why I always say that the best friend to have is Jesus. He lifts me when I am spiritually down, He gives me hope, and He has promised me eternal life in Heaven after I leave this world.
This church sanctuary wall art will quicken the spirits of the saints by reminding them how Jesus laid down His life for them, and their love for Him will grow.
10. 3 Nails 1 Cross Metal Sign.
I think every sanctuary should have this image on the wall. Whenever I am seated in our church during services, I often find myself staring at the cross on the pulpit stand.
It fills me with emotion, and I have to humbly ask, “where would I be without the cross of Jesus?” The answer to this question leaves me broken before God and overwhelmed by His mercy and love. This metal sign amplifies the message of the cross.
11. Philippians 4:13
There is a hymn we used to sing in high school called “standing on the promises of Christ my King.” The hymn is one of my favorites, and whenever I see this doormat, it reminds me of this song.
You can quite literally stand on the promises of God when you put this doormat at the entrance of your church sanctuary and boldly say, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
12. Pulpit Lectern with Cross Store
This could look great in the sanctuary. The Bible says that the name of Christ is highly exalted above every name in this world and the next. Whenever I see a pastor boldly sharing the word of God from the pulpit, I always celebrate in my heart to see and hear the exalted name being preached from an elevated, beautiful place.
13. Wooden Communion Table
I don’t have any skill in carpentry, but I love wooden tables more than glass or metallic ones. Jesus, was a carpenter by profession. Any furniture made of wood reminds me of Jesus’ occupation. I can only imagine the high-quality pieces He would make.
This communion table may be a great addition to your church community. As you are breaking bread in the sanctuary on the table, remember that you are breaking the body of Christ.
14. Faith Love Family Canvas
Every time I look at my family, I thank God for everyone in it. I want the best for them, and I guide my children, disciplining and teaching them the way of the Lord. God is a father who also wants the best for you as His children.
He wants to give you peace, health, and prosperity in this life, and in the life to come, He will give you eternal life. He also wants to see you walking in love and faith.
That is why I am referring this unique canvas to your church. Hang it in the sanctuary and let it serve as a constant reminder to the worshippers that they are part of God’s family
15. White Curtains Drapes Panels
I love changing curtains in my house according to the seasons. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year because it lends itself to very creative decorative styles. With festive pattern, pictures, and ornaments, we can enjoy the true blessing of the season.
Conclusion
Making your sanctuary look as beautiful and Christmassy as possible takes a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Your church is an important part of your community, and Christmas decorations can help visitors feel welcome. With these tips, you’ll soon be on the right path to making your church the most Christmassy place in town