Christmas readings for church services are a great way to bring the Christmas story to life for your congregation. They allow you to focus on the important elements of the Christmas story that can be lost in more traditional readings, such as the role of angels or God’s love for humanity.
You might be wondering how you can ensure that your congregation is getting the most out of these new readings. Here are some tips to help you make sure your church service is successful:
- Use a variety of different voices (i.e., children’s voices, angel voices) so that everyone in attendance can feel like they’re part of the story.
- Change up the pace of each reading so that it feels natural and exciting instead of monotonous and repetitive.
- Make sure all members of your congregation have access to a copy of this reading so they can follow along with you as you read aloud during services
Christmas Readings for Church Service
Short Christmas Readings for Church Service
One of the essential elements of a church service during the Christmas season is the inclusion of readings that reflect the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ. Short Christmas readings for church service are a wonderful way to convey the message of love, joy, and hope that this festive season represents. These readings are carefully selected to capture the essence of Christmas and can be incorporated into various parts of the church service, such as during a candlelight procession, as part of a sermon, or during a special music performance.
One of the most widely known and cherished short Christmas readings is the passage from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verses 8-14. This passage recounts the angel’s announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds and their subsequent visitation to the manger in Bethlehem. Another popular short reading is Isaiah 9:6, which proclaims the birth of the Savior and describes His attributes as the Prince of Peace and a Wonderful Counselor. These readings can be beautifully recited by church members or read aloud by the pastor, bringing the scriptural message to life and filling hearts with the true meaning of Christmas.
Inspirational Christmas Readings for Church Service
Christmas is a time of inspiration and renewal, and incorporating inspirational readings into a church service can enhance the spiritual experience for all attendees. Inspirational Christmas readings for church service include passages that challenge believers to reflect on the deeper meaning of the holiday season and to embrace the values and teachings of Jesus Christ. One such reading is from the book of Matthew, chapter 2, verses 1-11, which recounts the visit of the wise men to worship and present gifts to the newborn King. This reading reminds us of the importance of seeking Christ and giving Him our heartfelt devotion. Another inspirational reading is from John 1:14, which emphasizes the profound truth that God Himself became flesh and dwelled among us as Jesus Christ. In addition to these Bible passages, many churches also include poems or hymns that inspire faith and reawaken the wonder of the nativity story. A popular choice is the poem “Keeping Christ in Christmas,” which encourages believers to focus on the true reason for the season: the birth of Jesus Christ. Through reading and meditating on these inspirational texts, churchgoers can deepen their understanding of the significance of Christmas and experience a renewed sense of faith and hope.
Free Christmas Readings for Church Service
As churches plan for Christmas services, budgetary constraints can sometimes limit the resources available to include additional readings or materials. Fortunately, there are numerous free Christmas readings for church service that are easily accessible and can be incorporated into the worship program without incurring any costs. Many online platforms offer collections of free Christmas readings that can be downloaded in PDF format or accessed directly from the website. These compilations often include a variety of readings, ranging from Scripture passages to poems and stories. A quick search on the internet will provide an abundance of free resources that can be tailored to suit the specific needs and preferences of the church. By incorporating these free readings into the church service, the congregation can benefit from an enriched worship experience without straining the church’s budget. These readings can bring depth and meaning to the Christmas message, reminding everyone of the true reason for the season and inspiring them to celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ. Overall, Christmas readings for church service play a vital role in conveying the message of Christmas, inspiring and reminding churchgoers of the true meaning of this festive season. Whether short passages, inspirational verses, or free resources, these readings enable believers to connect with the story of Jesus’ birth on a profound level. Through the power of Scripture, poems, and hymns, the joy, love, and hope that Christmas brings can be brought to life, uniting believers in worship and gratitude for God’s precious gift to humanity.
Christmas Readings for Church Service
Christian Christmas poems and prayers. Inspirational religious Christmas poetry honoring Jesus and true meaning of Christmas. Religious poems verse for Christmas cards and church.
Here are some ideas for Christmas readings for church services that you can use this year to get your congregation in the holiday spirit.
1) Readings from the Bible:
- Luke 1:5-25 (The angel Gabriel visits Mary to tell her she will give birth to Jesus)
- Matthew 1:18-25 (Mary and Joseph learn they will have a baby)
2) Readings from other religious texts:
- The Koran, Surah 19:21-33 (The birth of Jesus)
- The Bhagavad Gita, Chapters 11 & 12 (Krishna’s birth)
3) Readings from secular sources:
- “A Visit From St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore (a poem about Santa Claus)
True Christian Christmas
Christmas isn’t about outlandish presents or glitzy decorations; it’s about giving God’s humble Son, Jesus Christ, our worship and praise.
Giving back to the community means putting the needs of others ahead of our own and ensuring that no one spends Christmas alone.
That money we would have wasted on useless items can now be put to better use by providing service to those in need.
God the Son modeled for us a life of selfless love, unwavering faith, and selfless service.
It’s a great way to enjoy the holidays and have more calm and less stress.
Let us keep in mind that the true meaning of Christmas is the birth of our Savior; for in Him alone do we find true joy and lasting peace.
By Joanna Fuchs
Religious Christmas poems are very popular. This Christian Christmas poem reminds us why we celebrate.
Jesus Is The Reason
In Bethlehem, God gave to us
The source of Christmas joy;
A star shown on a miracle:
The virgin birth of a boy.
He was born both God and man,
A Savior for us all,
The way to get to our heavenly home,
If we just heed His call.
So as we shop and spend and wrap
And enjoy the Christmas season,
Let’s keep in mind the sacred truth:
Jesus is the reason.
By Joanna Fuchs
It’s time to stop the rampant materialism and be better role models for our children, says this Christian Christmas poem. It’s
Real Joy
What is Christmas without Jesus Christ?
It’s a holiday full of stuff.
Money and stress, teaching kids greed,
Some people are saying “Enough!”
“Love one another,” our Savior said.
It’s all about love, not things.
Let’s teach our children to serve, and create
The real joy the true Christmas brings.
By Joanna Fuchs
Short Christmas Speeches for Church Programs
Preaching at churches during the holiday season
To you, in the name of Jesus, I say: Happy Holidays!
This morning, I am overjoyed to stand before you and welcome you to our wonderful service.
I’d like to take this opportunity to praise God for providing us with a once-a-year celebration like this one.
It’s a time to reflect on the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
To prevent men from haughtily praising their own intelligence and abilities, Jesus planned to be born poor at the opportune time.
We rejoice in the fact that God’s goodness and grace have been and are being made known.
Every year, the Christmas season serves as a poignant reminder of God’s unending love for each of His creations.
Let me begin today’s service by extending a heartfelt welcome to everyone here as we celebrate the love that God has shown us.
Because of this, let’s take advantage of this blessing God has bestowed upon us as a group and continually give thanks to God for his many blessings.
May God bless each of us this Christmas.
sermons given during church Christmas celebrations
Preaching at Christmas Services
Like these Christian Christmas poems?
Click here to see another one
on our Christmas Poems page.
Christian Christmas poetry can explain a bit of Christmas history, as this religious Christian poem does.
Why We Celebrate
Why do we celebrate
Jesus’ birth at Christmas,
though we don’t know
when He was born?
It was necessary and inevitable
that we select a date
to celebrate an eternal miracle–
the coming to earth
of God in human form…Jesus,
Who changed the entire world
with His message of love,
forgiveness, humility and peace.
Christmas is an obligatory
and indispensable holiday
marking the transformation
from guiltless selfishness
to striving to follow His example
of service to God and our fellow man.
That is worth celebrating.
By Joanna Fuchs
Christian Christmas poetry can explain parts of Christianity. This Christian Christmas poem reminds us that the basis for Christmas is religious Christianity. The word “Christmas” refers to a Mass for Christ, a religious ritual.
Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?
Why do we celebrate Christmas,
A “Mass” for Christ, each year?
Why do we shop and give out gifts,
Basking in Christmas cheer?
Our joy is based in the Gospel,
The amazing “good news” of Christ;
We’re grateful for what He gave to us
And all He sacrificed.
Priceless gifts He brought,
Eternal life, and more,
A perfect role model for all of us,
He opened heaven’s door.
At Christmas time let’s be
Reverent and devout,
Celebrating a Christmas real and true:
Jesus Christ is what it’s about.
By Joanna Fuchs
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Keeping Christ in Christmas Poem
Here’s a short Christian Christmas poem in free verse, perfect for use as a Christmas card message.
God Bless You at Christmas
God bless you at Christmas;
May the Light of the World
Shine on you and those you love
As you share this blessed, holy season.
By Joanna Fuchs
Here’s another short Christmas card message.
Christmas Contentment
At Christmas,
May Jesus fill your hearts with peace,
May God grant you abundant grace,
And may you have sweet contentment
In the New Year.
By Joanna Fuchs
Christmas Readings for Carol Concerts
Poetry and readings for use in Christmas carol services and other non-profit events, popular in the UK and elsewhere.
Christmas is a time for getting together with loved ones, drinking hot cocoa, and listening to carols. But it’s also a great time for reading.
We’ve compiled a list of Christmas readings that are perfect for your holiday concert or party—they’ll help you get into the spirit of the season and give your guests an opportunity to stretch their imaginations as they read along.
“Midnight in Bethlehem, Zero AD. 1 or 2 people in difficulty” (time 3:30)
A love story for a broken world (time 3:15)
What kind of Messiah? from A Christmas commentary
So what do we really want from a Saviour? (time 1:30)
Improbable message from a confused archangel (time 4:30)
“The little Lord Jesus no crying he makes” Yeah, as if… (time 2:30)
The magi at the empty manger (for one or three voices)
What will we do with the gifts now? (time 2:00)
Paranoid Jewish tyrant king gatecrashes suburban Christmas (time 6:30)
Life on the inside for a God clothed in skin (time 4:30)
Light of the world(with version for 2 voices here)
Technicians mark up the script for “The Nativity” (time 3:15)
A child is born (with version for 5 voices here)
A multiple-choice, politically-correct prophecy (time 3:40)
The epiphany from Magi
“He just lay there, needing to be loved” (time 3:00)
Alpha to Omega (time 2:30)
The (good)will of the people (topical from 2019) A shepherd answers back (time 2:00)
News just in (for 1 or 2 voices, topical some years ago!) Seasonal news bulletin (time 2:30)
The journey of the magi (cont.)
Wise men overshoot the Bethlehem exit and turn up in 21st C London
“Come and live rough as we do: come and die.”
Conspiracy theories in the hills above Bethlehem
A synopsis of Jesus’ badly misjudged life
Any poem from The last straw
Any short poem from A Christmas commentary
Short poems to introduce carol service bible readings
Poems to frame a service or concert
The story as an allegory of the discovery of knowledge.
Four prayers following the key eventsbirth
A Different Kind Of Christmas
Sometimes Christmas is just overwhelming, it seems,
As we rush around buying up stuff.
We spend without end, and we rack up those bills,
But it feels like it’s never enough.
So this Christmas, let’s all take a different approach:
Let’s try to be more in accord
With God’s Christmas gift, the best one of all–
Our sweet Jesus, our Savior, our Lord.
We’ll be gentle and patient, and loving and kind,
And we’ll keep our priorities straight;
The gifts of the Spirit, the gifts of the heart
Are the ones that we’ll all celebrate.
And our stress will decrease, and we’ll feel more at peace,
As we decorate, package, and trim;
Our new Christmas will be a pure joy and delight,
As we try to be much more like Him.
By Joanna Fuchs