Christmas Day Worship Activities
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Our desire is to support you and your household in a worship practice that is suited to your Christmas day celebrations. We hope you will find the guided worship activities below helpful. We have tried to include items that will work for multi age groups, as well as individual participation. However you choose to worship today, know that the One we celebrate is Immanuel: God with us.
A Call to worship:
O Lord, we greet Thee! Born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given. Word of the Father now in flesh appearing.
O Come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18 - 25 (NIV)
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
Reflection and Prayer
What words stand out to you today as you encounter this story in scripture anew?
Read the above scripture passage again. Read it aloud, even if you are reading by yourself.
Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit if there is anywhere in your life where this passage might bring you a sense of hope? peace? direction? or encouragement?
Wait and consider what comes to mind for you with the Lord.
Read the scripture passage aloud again. If you are with others, give someone else a turn to read.
What is it in this passage that you might carry with you today?
Take a few moments to jot your thoughts down on paper, perhaps in a journal or on the back of a Christmas card.
Activity
Jesus is called Immanuel - God with us. As a worship activity, go on a walk about your household, or a walk around your block, or even just imagine doing so in your mind. What do you see that reminds you that God is with you today? If it is something you can easily transport, bring the item with you and keep it close today, perhaps placing it on your dinner table or mantle. If you are celebrating with others, take turns sharing about the items you have collected, even if they are just in your imagination.
Raise your voice
Carols are a wonderful way to worship Jesus. What is your favourite Christmas song? Can you sing it as an act of worship today?
Here are some of our church favourites if you want to sing along with others:
Joy to the World / Joyful Joyful
Generous Giving
Gift giving is at the heart of many of our Christmas celebrations. Some believe this tradition comes from the pattern set by the Magi who followed a star to find the newborn King. They responded to the presence of this new King by offering gifts. While this may have set a pattern of Christmas gift-giving, the true gift of Christmas is in the coming of Jesus to a world in great need. We are forever grateful that God did not spare his own son, but rather sent him into the world so that all might have life to the full.
If part of your worship celebrations today include a desire to participate responsively through Generous Giving, you are welcome to explore some of the giving options available here.
Benediction / A good word
May you know the God who is with you always. He is Jesus our Lord. He is with you even now. To Him be all glory, honour, and praise, now and forever. Amen.