Starting in December, worship teams rush to learn a bunch of Christmas songs. They play them for a few weeks and then throw them back in the closet until next year rolls around. So the question is: how long should you use Christmas songs in your worship services? Is it okay to sing Christmas songs after December 25?
Here are 3 reasons it's okay to sing Christmas songs in church after Christmas:
1 | Most Christmas songs are about when Jesus has already been born
Think about the lyrics to most Christmas carols. Some of them deal with the anticipation of waiting for Jesus to come, but most of them talk about when he has already come.
For example, Joy to the World - "Joy to the world the Lord IS COME."
O Come all ye Faithful - "Yea Lord we greet Thee, born THIS HAPPY MORNING."
The First Noel - "Born is the King of Israel!"
All of these songs use lyrics that are in the present tense. Christ has come! He has been born. And yet, it's easy to be tempted to put these songs away after December 25 - the day we celebrate Jesus being born. It seems strange to wait in anticipation for the 4 weeks of Advent for the birth of Jesus and then only celebrate it for one day. So the next question is: how long should you use these songs?
2 | Traditionally the Christmas celebration lasts until January 5
In the traditional liturgical calendar, the Christmas celebration lasts until January 5. Fun fact: that's where the 12 Days of Christmas comes from (December 25-January 5). Even if your church doesn't follow a liturgical calendar, don't let the Christmas celebration only last one day of the year!
3 | Familiar Christmas carols contain theology that's valuable to your church
You are what you sing! Not only are Christmas carols familiar - which means people can easily sing along with them - they also contain theology your church needs to know. Give your church the opportunity to continue to reflect on the theology found in these Christmas songs. Help them see that these aren't just feel good nostalgic moments but moments of learning about the character of God.
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