Keeping Christ Central at Christmas: Seven Decisions Every Church Can Make
Each month, I highlight seven pivotal decisions or practices that can help us grow as followers of Christ and equip our churches to be healthier, stronger, and more effective in ministry. This December, we focus on Keeping Christ Central at Christmas: Seven Decisions Every Church Can Make.
December always brings a familiar mixture of blessings and busyness. Our calendars fill quickly, our churches become centers of activity, and our communities gather for celebrations and traditions. But for followers of Jesus, Christmas is more than a season—it is a declaration that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). It is a time for the Church to lift high the name of the Savior and to shine His light into a world longing for hope.
As we enter into the Christmas season, every church in our association has an incredible opportunity: to keep Christ central in all we do. Here are seven pivotal decisions every church can make this Christmas.
1. Decide to Elevate Scripture in Every Gathering
The story of Christmas is the story of redemption. It is the fulfillment of prophecy, the unveiling of God’s glory, and the arrival of the promised Messiah. This year, make the intentional choice to base every gathering on Scripture—worship services, children’s events, musicals, and outreach programs. When people hear the Word, they encounter Savior.
2. Decide to Model Generosity
Christmas is a season of giving because it mirrors the heart of God, who “so loved the world that He gave.” Churches have a unique opportunity to model that generosity tangibly—through Lottie Moon offerings, benevolence ministries, food drives, or blessing a partner ministry. Generosity reminds our congregations that we are never more like Jesus than when we give.
3. Decide to Serve the Least of These
Jesus came for the broken, the hurting, and the overlooked. When your church intentionally seeks out those on the margins—a nursing home resident, a single parent, a struggling family, a classroom of children—you bring the Christmas story to life. Serving opens doors for gospel conversations and turns Christmas into a mission field.
4. Decide to Offer a Clear Gospel Invitation
It’s easy to assume people “know the story,” but many in our communities do not understand why Jesus came. Christmas gives us a moment of uncommon openness—hearts soften, families attend church together, and curiosity rises. This is the time to preach Christ clearly and offer a simple, compelling invitation to trust Him.
5. Decide to Strengthen Family Worship at Home
The home is the primary place discipleship happens. Encourage families to read Scripture together, light Advent candles, pray at meals, or talk about the meaning of Christmas. When families worship at home, Sunday becomes a celebration of what God is already doing throughout the week.
6. Decide to Build Bridges Into the Community
Christmas events create natural bridges for the unchurched. Community concerts, candlelight services, or simple acts of kindness open doors for connection and relationship. This season is not just about bringing people in—it’s about sending our people out with the hope of Christ.
7. Decide to Live with Joy
Joy is one of the most powerful witnesses of the believer. In a season where many feel stressed or burdened, the joy of the Lord stands out. Churches that choose joy—authentic, Spirit-led joy—shine brightly in a dark world.
Churches do not drift into Christ-centeredness. It is the result of prayerful leadership and intentional decisions—pivotal decisions—made with the glory of Christ in mind. My prayer for each church in our association is that this Christmas will not simply be busy… but deeply meaningful.
May Jesus be at the center of all we do. May He be honored in every event, every message, every act of service, and every heart. Merry Christmas—and may Christ be exalted in your church this season.
Dr. Stan Parris
Senior Pastor, Franklin Heights Church
Executive Director, FHC Network
Director, FCMBA
You can listen to Stan’s podcast, Pivotal Decisions, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube and any place you find podcasts.