Crafting the Perfect Christmas Worship Set: Keep It Joyful and Focused

It’s that time of year again! The Christmas season is here, and if you’re a worship leader, you’re probably deep into planning your Christmas worship sets. We all know this season can be a lot—with extra services, rehearsals, and all the holiday craziness—but let’s not lose sight of who it’s all about: Jesus!

As we pull together our worship sets, there are so many opportunities to create a powerful experience for our congregations. Let’s dive into how we can use some of the newest Christmas songs, keep our focus on the real reason for the season, and serve the people who come through our doors with love and grace.

Christmas Worship Songs to Spice Up Your Set

Here’s a list of Christmas worship songs that can bring a fresh yet meaningful touch to your Christmas worship sets. These songs focus on celebrating Christ’s birth and proclaiming the hope He brings:

1. Behold by Phil Wickham and Anne Wilson – A reverent anthem celebrating Christ’s incarnation and inviting believers to worship the King who came to save us
2. Hark by Thrive Worship & Corbin Phillips – A fresh take on the classic carol, blending contemporary energy with the timeless message of Jesus’ birth​
3. Emmanuel by Hillside Recording– A reflective worship piece highlighting the intimate truth of “God with us” through Christ’s coming​
4. Behold (Live)” by Branches Worship – A reflective worship piece centered on the wonder of Christ’s incarnation.
5. Light of the World (Sing Hallelujah) We The Kingdom– A vibrant declaration of Jesus as the light in darkness, perfect for congregational singing.
6. The King Has Come” – Passion (featuring Kristian Stanfill)– A powerful song proclaiming Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to humanity.
   

Adding some of these songs to your set alongside the classic carols can really make your Christmas service feel fresh, yet familiar.

Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing

In the hustle of the season, it’s easy to get swept up in the details and forget why we’re doing all this in the first place. Spoiler alert: it’s not about putting on a perfect show! It’s about Jesus and helping people experience the joy of His birth.

When you’re building your Christmas worship sets, keep the focus on Christ. Whether you’re choosing songs, planning transitions, or leading a rehearsal, ask yourself, “How does this point people to Jesus?”

Here are a few ideas to help with that:

• Open with Scripture: Kick off the service by reading from Luke 2 or Isaiah 9. It helps set the stage and reminds everyone why we’re here.
• Mix Story and Song: Pick songs that walk through the Christmas story—from the prophecy of Jesus’ birth to the angels’ announcement and the arrival of the Savior in Bethlehem.
• Create Space to Reflect: Sometimes we need to slow down and let people feel the moment. Songs like “Silent Night” work perfectly for that quiet pause before celebrating the good news of Jesus.

Minister to All Those Who Walk Through the Door

Christmas services are special because they often bring people who don’t normally attend church—family members, friends, and even some who might be struggling with life’s challenges. It’s our chance to minister to their hearts and remind them of the hope Jesus brings.

Let’s be real—Christmas can be a tough season for a lot of people. Some are dealing with loss, loneliness, or stress, and they’re looking for peace. Your Christmas worship set can be a place where they feel comforted and welcomed.

Here’s how to make sure your worship speaks to everyone:

• Include Songs of Hope and Peace: Look for songs that offer peace and encouragement, like “O Holy Night” or new ones like “Hope of Heaven.” They can remind people of the hope Jesus offers, no matter what they’re going through.
• Offer Words of Encouragement: Whether it’s through a brief prayer, a devotional thought, or even something said between songs, take a moment to speak to the challenges people might be facing this season. Let them know that they’re seen, loved, and that Jesus is their ultimate source of peace.

Remember the Reason, Even When It’s Stressful

Let’s be honest—if you work for a church, the Christmas season can be a whirlwind of stress. Between extra services, planning, rehearsals, and making everything look just right, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But in the middle of all this, don’t forget the heart of it: Jesus.

Here are a few tips to help you and your team stay grounded and focused:

• Pray Together: Start every rehearsal or meeting with prayer. Refocus on Jesus and ask for His peace over all the details.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Share the Load: This time of year, can be intense. Don’t try to do it all yourself—ask your team for help and spread-out responsibilities so you’re not running on empty.
• Take Time to Worship Personally: As worship leaders, we pour out a lot. Make sure you’re spending time in personal worship, soaking in God’s presence so you can lead from a place of fullness.

Creating a Worship Environment That Reflects the Heart of Christmas 

Planning your 2024 Christmas worship set is about more than just choosing the right songs. It’s about creating a space where people can experience the joy and wonder of Jesus’ birth. With new songs that bring fresh excitement, keeping the focus on Christ, and remembering to care for those who come through the doors, you’ll be able to create a worship experience that touches hearts and changes lives. And even when things get hectic, don’t forget—the reason for the season is worth celebrating!