Transforming Trivial Pursuits into Memorable Celebrations For many of us, the Christmas celebration is a mile wide and an inch deep. We tire ourselves with an ever-growing number of gifts to buy, activities to complete, and traditions to uphold. And through a maze of cards and calls, outreach and entertainment, we struggle to connect with others in meaningful ways. Our intentions are sincere. But when we look back on the season, too often we're left feeling diminished by our efforts. Our labors, great or small, have somehow only touched the surface. So how can we keep the Chirstmas season from becoming a string of trivail pursuits? How can we transform holiday gatherings, traditions, and activities into memorable celebrations that reach into the very depth of our souls? SERMON THEMES Encourage your congregation to make Christmas meaningful by: 1. Follow the true star of Christmas; 2. Honor the stable-born king; 3. Celebrate heaven's gift to all nations; 4. Quiet your heart for the magnificent message; 5. Embrace God's Christmas salvation. Order your Making Christmas Meaningful Christmas sermon series Starter Kit by Mainstay Ministries today. Or, download your favorite weekly sermon and service themes below. Contents include: Get a Resourceful Pastor's Manual Receive a wealth of December preaching aids including suggested texts for each theme above, complete sermon manuscripts you can use as is or rework, alternative sermon notes, illustrations, and quotations that give you more than enough material to choose from in preparing your own messages. Receive Worship Ideas coordinated with your sermons that your people will remember for years to come. These include mood setters, creative Scripture readings, children's sermons, church and home Advent candlelighting ceremonies, music suggestions, prayers, and much more. These elements also are tied into the devotional calendars your people follow at home each week. Get Devotionals for Pastors that minister to you in special ways during the winter season, when you have more than enough to do. Distribute our Devotions for December Calendars The Advent Calendar is a practical devotional tool for December that can help your families make this Christmas the meaningful observance their hearts desire. Beginning four Sundays before Christmas Day and continuing through New Year's Day, this calendar will lead you or your congregation through the entire holiday season. Each day you'll discover carefully selected Scripture readings, prayers, and points to ponder. Practical suggestions for singles, couples, and families, as well as home ceremonies and discussion questions, will broaden your thinking and deepen your practice of this eminently holy time. After all, that's where our word holiday comes from. An Implementation Guide for the Advent Administrator During the busy pre-Christmas season, it's easy to let details fall through the cracks. That's why we've designed this Implementation Guide to help you. Maybe your'e the Advent administrator who heads up the organization and basic running of this series. Or perhaps you're the Publicity person who helps to get people excited about the Seasonal Advent Celebration. Or possibly you're acting as both. In any case, this Implementation Guide is intended to make things simpler for you. For more details call us toll-free at 1-800-224-2735. |
