Perspectives on Seasonal Traditions

I remember as a kid that sometimes we had Christmas plays at our church. Sometimes they were excellent… sometimes they were not. At some churches seasonal traditions are an extreme. Whether it is Easter or Christmas or Pentecost or 4th of July, our traditions can lose meaning over time if we are not careful. Below, I have written several approaches to Christmas plays. The perspective can MAKE OR BREAK at church in the long run.

There are usually several different types of church Christmas plays: 

1.) Evangelistic- the approach is to share the Gospel with those outside the church through creative means. 

(2.) Tradition- No one knows when it started or why it was started, but everyone knows that it happens each year like clock work. This is usually an internal appeals approach.

(3.) Service to the Community- sometimes small churches do not have enough to do a play separately, but as a community, they can thrive together and bring unity to their collective congregations. 

(4.) Practical Discipleship Approach- hands on immersion into the Christmas account can be a discipleship method.

Sometimes, we need a reminder that Church services, ministries, and programs should always point back to Jesus. 

There are several red flags that churches may need to refocus their priorities.

1.) If the program becomes a burden to those that are participants… a refocus of priorities is needed.

2.) If the “creative juices” have run dry and it is a version of the same thing over and over… a refocus of priorities is needed.

3.) If there is more fiction in the story line than Gospel… a refocus is needed.

4.) If people are not pointed to Jesus… a refocus is needed.

5.) If ministry slows to a halt during preparation time… a refocus is needed.

6.) If it serves the select few… a refocus is needed.

7.) If it become exclusive rather than inclusive… a refocus is needed.

If any of these red flags are familiar, start today with prayer for the Holy Spirit to begin the refocusing process. Strive for a Gospel focus play. Strive to focus people to the reason for the season… Jesus Christ.