Worship = Peace

Be sure to check out the previous Worship = posts here!

Are your Christmas preparations causing you stress?  Is your body staying afloat only by a steady stream of extra caffeine that leaves you shaking by the time you try to go to bed?  This season can be a really tough time for everyone in ministry, and leading worship is no exception. That’s why we must remember that we are called to be worshippers first, and worship leaders second.

Something will go wrong – somebody will be a no-show or leave something undone. Someone will challenge your leadership. Your leaders will throw last-minute curve balls expecting you to deal with them. That’s because everyone, staff and volunteers, is in the same boat. We feel responsible for making our Christmas Eve services as perfect as possible, and want the entire city to come rushing through our doors to enjoy them (and become instant members, too!).  We are being pulled in 100 different directions, and on top of all that, those gifts won’t buy themselves.

Just remember this, you are not responsible for everything. In the end, it is God who brings people into His church, you are just called to be faithful.  Even Jesus needed His Father to do ministry, so how much more do we need Him in order to stay faithful and not burn out? Here’s a simple way to keep your joy and focus during this Christmas season. Be a worshiper.

In your time of busyness, step away for a moment to find Jesus. Go and worship Him like the shepherds and wise men, and He will give you the peace that He promises.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Instead of just practicing those Christmas songs, sing them out to Jesus in worship and enjoy your relationship with Him. Fill your office and house with them, and invite Him to rejoice with you as you meditate on the birth of the Savior. Use the gifts that He has given you, and worship Him. Encourage your team to do the same, and maybe spend a little time in practice just worshiping. Let Jesus fill your hearts and minds with His presence, and everything else will be put in perspective.

Merry Christmas!