Ed is excited to release a draft manuscript of this year's Christmas message on CreativePastors. Here's a quick note from him:
Christmas week is one of the most strategic and significant times on the church calendar. Because of that, I know you are pouring every ounce of energy into preparing this pivotal message. I, too, have been spending many hours of study scrutinizing the outline and manuscript. There is a lot of attention given to these services due to the high stakes involved. If you're like me, the pressure seems greater than ever. I am always looking for help with ideas, content and illustrations. For this reason, I'm making this year's Christmas message, Lights, available to you.
This package includes an unedited manuscript, a marked manuscript with my hand written changes, and three variations of the outline with different wording for the major points. I've made three variations of the message which can easily be delivered in a linear fashion or a postmodern, go-with-the-flow format. Either way, it's the same content. The option you choose simply depends on your personal teaching style.
However you deliver it, this message lends itself to the use of some simple, yet profound visuals—matches, candles, flashlights, spotlights, chandeliers, etc. The list is limited only by your creativity and imagination. At Fellowship, we'll be using a variety of light sources throughout the worship center to help people see and feel the importance of the message, not just hear it.
Remember, the Christmas message should leave people wanting more. It should show them how Christ is relevant in their lives here and now, but also week in and week out.
I pray we will all reach our communities with the life-changing message of God's love this Christmas weekend. It will be exciting to hear how God uses your creative teaching in these very important services! I hope these resources are helpful.
God's Best,
