Description
Christmas doesn’t depend on being in a sanctuary. God’s love comes directly to us, wherever we are.
Written by the Rev. Jenny McDevitt, “Christmas at Home” is a simple, adaptable liturgy designed to help families and loved ones celebrate Christmas together at home. Whether illness, mobility, travel or other circumstances make attending a Christmas Eve service difficult, this resource offers a meaningful way to worship and remember that God is with us.
The service weaves together Scripture readings, familiar Christmas hymns, prayer and candlelight. It is intentionally flexible: use the entire liturgy or select the pieces that work best for your gathering. Read from a family Bible, play recordings of the hymns or sing together, and invite children and adults alike to participate.
What’s included
- Scripture readings from Isaiah and Luke
- Familiar Christmas hymns
- A simple candle-lighting practice
- An opportunity to name what you are pondering and what leads you to praise
- Prayers for Christmas night
- Suggestions for adapting the service to your household
No elaborate preparation is needed. Gather the people you love, a few candles and perhaps a Bible or hymnal — and make the service your own.
This resource is available as a downloadable PDF for a donation. Your gift supports the publishing ministry of the Presbyterian Outlook and helps us continue creating faithful resources for individuals and congregations.
About the author
The Rev. Jenny McDevitt is senior pastor and head of staff at Shandon Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina.
