It was the end of July and I was in full summer mode—sitting by the pool, watching fireflies, having lively debates with friends over the tastiest local ice cream. Mindlessly, I clicked on Facebook, and a happy post by a parishioner popped onto my feed: “Only 150 days ’til Christmas!” I groaned. Why in the peace on earth is someone already talking about Christmas?! And just like that, I’m hearing jingle bells (and other songs) ringing in my ears.

IT’S CHRISTMAS ALL OVER AGAIN

Don’t get me wrong: I love Christmas. Or at least…I did love it for many years. Now the holiday means something different. Almost 5 years into full-time preaching, this season of contemplation and tradition—all the warm and fuzzy memories people strive to create—it’s on my shoulders to steward for an entire congregation! At least, that’s how it sometimes feels for preachers.

My church team is amazing. Truly they do the heavy lifting, during Advent and the rest of the year. This pressure to fulfill imagined expectations is actually self-induced. Yet there are times when I can’t let go of the teaching tasks at hand long enough to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Spoiler alert: no matter how many or few times you’ve sung hark the herald of Christ’s birth or listened to others share it, the story is the same every year. 

So I wonder as I wander: How do we hold onto tradition yet also bring fresh energy into this ancient narrative? How do we carry anticipation and hope, mindful of the holy yet messy moment that Jesus, the Messiah, became light in our world’s darkness? Yet also logistically: what if the children run off with the handbells or the candles drip wax on people’s hands or the weather outside is too frightful for folks to safely get to church? Wobbling between sacred words and worst-case scenarios, the voices of the Chipmunks begin to echo in my mind: “Christmas, Christmas time is here…time for joy and time for cheer.” Meanwhile my grinch-y heart is already ready for it to be over.

Maybe you can relate? Is your preaching preparation more anxious than angelic this Advent? If so, follow me in merry measure. I think it begins with changes from within. Let’s give ourselves the gift of permission this holy season. We don’t have to reinvent Christmas. Let’s give ourselves some reminders and trust that God’s Spirit is already at work.  

ALL SEEM TO SAY, THROW CARES AWAY

Perhaps a little repetition is the refrain we need to reprise our wonder. Repeat after me: “It’s OK!”

It’s OK if you repeat things.

Not everything has to be new each year. People love tradition, especially during the Advent season. Though we may feel pressure from outside forces to make messages flashy, truly “there is nothing new under the sun” as Solomon wisely noted. The familiar brings comfort to everyone. You may repeat yourself as December rolls around again, but Jesus’ life is meant to be recounted. Repeat and let him shine!

It’s OK to delegate.

It’s not all on you. A fellow pastor in my city has members of the congregation preach some Sundays of Advent. She said the annual themes of hope, peace, joy, and love provide an easy pathway for other voices to join the lineup. This opens the door for members to serve the church with gifts God has given them. In return, you also receive a gift: more time for your end of the year.

Special note: If life brings grief or an emergency this season, lean on the goodwill of people who want to serve you. To be honest, even if it’s not an emergency. Your kids will never be small again. You may only see some relatives one day a year. You don’t have to compromise your relationships to write the perfect sermon. Ask for help. I repeat: ask for help!

The church is a family. Let them support you. If issues arise for you or your loved ones, let go of writing that holiday sermon and go be with them. Delegate, and people will adapt. You will never regret being present in these precious moments. 

Please, please hear me out: If you are struggling mentally, physically, spiritually for any reason—speak up and ask for support. Struggling alone does not make you strong. God wants us to rely on one another, even when you’re the one standing weekly behind the pulpit. Godly leadership requires vulnerability. Give yourself space and resources to help you heal. This is true now at Advent or during any season.

It’s OK if things don’t go according to plan.

You may need to hear this often as a preacher, but especially during the holidays. Even when details don’t turn out as planned, people will give you grace. Give yourself grace too. 

Was Jesus praised in your Advent message? Wonderful. That’s all you need. 

It’s OK to take a break from regular programs.

I learned that friends of mine don’t host their usual worship service on the last Sunday of every year. Because they have two services on Christmas week (Sunday morning, plus Christmas Eve), they have created a Sabbath Sunday to encourage rest for their staff at the end of the year. I saw other churches doing the same last December. My own church decided to try it out this year. 

You and your ministry team need rest and time with loved ones. Taking off tells your church that you value your leaders and their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. You might be giving your congregation what they need too, even if they don’t realize it. Simplicity and Sabbath could be this year’s underlying Advent gifts from Yahweh. 

Again, it’s not all on you. One less sermon in the month of December will be OK. Trust God’s Spirit to show up and breathe life wherever your people are.

It’s OK if you don’t feel in the Christmas spirit during Advent. 

You cannot force merriment. You may be too busy empowering everyone else to enjoy the season yourself. One cannot schedule spiritual renewal to arrive on a specific calendar date. 

Please don’t get down on yourself. Find another time to dwell upon Yahweh coming to earth—when your heart is ready. 

While you’re preparing ahead, you may dwell on Advent early, while your mind is already studying Scriptures surrounding Jesus’ birth. Or you may find time after the celebrations are complete to spend quality time with God’s gift of Jesus in your life. 

Be intentional and be open: leave space for the Spirit to bring refreshment to you, whenever that comes.

O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL

This list won’t wipe away every worry that surrounds your preaching plans, but I hope it is an opportunity to release any holiday burdens you’ve been carrying. Thank you, all ye faithful, for being willing to create messages that allow others to connect with their Savior. As you teach, pray, and shepherd, may the anticipation of Advent reveal Jesus’ holiness to you as well.