Worship leader, we feel your holiday chaos. Each December, you plan on this year being different, and suddenly you’re ambushed by concerts, parties, shopping, and a bulging calendar. And no matter how busy you are, the church demands performance.
We ache for Christmases of yore, unencumbered by 21 extra services littered throughout Advent. Visions of gentle Silent Nights have been replaced by anxious thoughts of post-Christmas clean-up and storage. After-program tear-downs loom larger than the promise of heavenly peace.
It’s certainly a struggle. We strive for excellence in ministry at the cost of rest. We love the meaning of Christmas but lately just can’t wait for this season to end. We want to delight our loved ones but our schedules are already bursting. Needless to say, it sure is a difficult balance navigating Christmas as a worship leader.
Remember Your Purpose
In this last mile filled with more jingle than tranquility, remember Whose birthday we celebrate. Don’t let the busyness bully your connection with the Baby born that first Christmas. Carve out some silent space to let His presence infuse your holiday hustle and bustle. Stay rooted in God’s truth and promises as you weather this intense season. The gift God gave on the first Christmas can give you strength today as well. If you’re not sure how, just tell Him that. He sees you. He hears you. Never forget it. So make sure your striving in ministry stems from a heart connected to the Savior, and do it by just being honest in prayer with where you’re at. Reflect on God’s goodness and ask for wisdom and grace for the road ahead. Jesus understands the pressure you face, and He sees you sacrificing for others and Him. So talk about it. Lay your burdens down before Him.
Don’t Forget Family
Don’t forget the family God gave you. Whether it’s with your own family, your parents, or with friends that feel like family, experience some simple seasonal specialness together! Drive through neighborhoods to take in the lights. Watch Home Alone. Make hot chocolate a priority. You need small moments with others to step away from the pressure and just make some memories. Prioritize some togetherness and shut off your ministry brain (yes, you are allowed to). No matter what crazy deadlines you face at church, protect your connections with little acts of love and joy sprinkled into this intense season.
This is What You’re Called To
Remember why you lead in the first place. Many visitors only darken a church door once annually. What we do matters, friends. God chose you to sing hope this year into hardened hearts. Our efforts may not earn thanks or praise, but let God worry about the results. Just be that faithful herald He crafted you to be for such a time as this. You were prepared for this and placed here strategically to make an impact. Don’t shrink back or tap out because of exhaustion. You are a warrior in Yahweh’s army; press on in obedience to your calling. He sees the extra effort and sacrifice you pour into the Christmas opportunity for ministry. You are planted to bear fruit, and you can trust that God will use your acts of service and gifts of worship to stir hearts toward Him this season. It’s worth pushing through!
