Christmas is Coming and so are the Millennials

Christmas is coming and so are the Millennials.  There is something about celebrating Christmas with family and friends.  Part of that tradition is being in church on Christmas Eve.  The singing of Silent Night by candlelight still touches my heart strings.  Millennials also cherish singing the traditional Christmas carols.  As pastors and worship leaders are putting together the final arrangements for Christmas Eve services there are some things to keep in mind. 

When it comes to Millennials and Christmas Eve, it is not as much about a long-term relationship as it is reminding them of their spiritual roots.  Most Millennials have established their own lives, often away from home.  Some might even have made choices that they know not only run counter to mom and dad’s expectations, but contradict what they were taught in Sunday school.  As a result they probably are not looking for a long-term relationship with a church.  What they are looking for is unconditional love and acceptance.

Millennials also want to hear the Christmas Gospel from Luke 2.  No matter how many times the story is told, it never grows old.  Keep the service short, preferably forty-five minutes are less.  Allow plenty of time for people to hang around and visit after the service.  If you have multiple services, allow as much time between services as you do for the services themselves.  Christmas Eve should also be an “all hands on deck” event for a church staff.  It is especially important for education and youth ministry people to be visible and ready to welcome back college students and young adults.

It is also important for parents and grandparents alike is to not use holiday gatherings as an opportunity to preach or express displeasure over decisions that have been made in the past.  When Jesus gathered as a meal with people He prayed, broke bread and celebrated the fellowship.  Jesus also was well aware of the baggage each person brought to the table.  In that situation, He just loved them and appreciated their presence.  That needs to be our attitude as we welcome back young and old alike for the holidays.  It also needs to be our mindset as we gather with family and friends as well.