Christmas offers an unparalleled opportunity for pastors to share the hope of the gospel with people who might not otherwise step inside a church. It’s one of the few times when hearts are open, nostalgia runs high, and the longing for meaning is strong.
Yet the season can also become one of the most stressful and spiritually draining times in ministry. With multiple services, high expectations, and a calendar full of competing demands, even experienced leaders can stumble into habits that steal joy and blunt the message of the incarnation.
This article identifies five mistakes pastors make at Christmas and offers practical ways to avoid them—so the good news of Jesus remains central amid the busyness.
Recognizing the Mistakes Pastors Make at Christmas
1. Letting busyness eclipse devotion
In December, schedules overflow with rehearsals, outreach events, sermon prep, and family obligations. It’s easy to talk about the birth of Christ more than actually worship Him. When the to-do list grows longer than the prayer list, the season’s true purpose slips away.
To avoid that, block out one morning each week for personal prayer and reflection. Reread the nativity passages—not for sermon prep, but for your own soul. Advent devotionals can help slow the pace and realign your heart. When your spirit is centered, your preaching will carry greater warmth and authenticity.
2. Overloading the church calendar
Many pastors assume that more is better—more events, more services, more special programs. But an overstuffed calendar often exhausts both leaders and volunteers. Instead of deepening engagement, it drains energy and attention.
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Focus on doing fewer things well. Choose one or two anchor events that align with your mission. A meaningful Christmas Eve service or a single community outreach can make a greater impact than several smaller gatherings that stretch your team thin. Quality and spiritual depth always outweigh quantity. Simplifying also frees your staff to rest and celebrate with their families.
3. Repeating the same sermon themes
The pressure to “say something new” about Christmas is real. Many pastors recycle old outlines or reach so hard for originality that the message loses its power. But your congregation doesn’t need novelty—they need renewed wonder.
Instead of reinventing the story, re-enter it. Approach Scripture as if you’re hearing it for the first time. What details of the incarnation reveal something new about God’s character? What emotions in Mary’s or Joseph’s story connect with what people feel today? Staying close to Scripture while exploring its relevance keeps your preaching faithful and fresh.
