Introduction
You are a pastor, an elder or a team member, and you need to write to the members before Christmas. These ten templates cover three situations: giving thanks for the year, inviting people to the Christmas services, and writing to those who are absent or isolated. The passages in brackets, such as [church name] or [date], are to be replaced before sending. Keep the tone of a letter to people you know.
Christmas Message From a Church to Thank Its Members
A thank you counts when it is specific. Name a service, a moment or a collective effort from the year, rather than a vague thanks that could come from any institution.
"Dear brothers and sisters of [church name], the year now ending has asked a great deal of each of you. Thank you for your presence, your quiet service and your prayers. Christmas reminds us that God came to us. May this Christmas be a real time of rest."
"To the whole family of [church name], we simply want to say thank you. Thank you to those who welcomed, prepared, cleaned, sang and visited. Without you, none of this would exist. May God repay you for all you have sown."
"As we light the Christmas lights, we are thinking of you. Your faithfulness month after month has carried us, the team and me. Rest, enjoy your loved ones, and receive our sincere wishes for this Christmas."
"Christmas is near and we wanted to mark it with a heartfelt word: thank you. You have made [church name] a place where people feel welcome. May the joy of this season follow you into January."
Invitation to Christmas Services for Church Members
Give the dates, times and place in the first lines, then invite everyone to come with their loved ones. A friendly tone works better than an administrative announcement.
"We look forward to seeing you on [date] at [time], at [church name], for the Christmas service. Come with your family, your neighbors, your friends. There will be songs, a message and a time of sharing. The door will be wide open."
"This year, Christmas will have a special flavor here. Join us on [date] to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Invite someone who has never come through our doors, and come with a smile. A hot chocolate awaits you afterward."
"Save the evening of [date]: [church name] is celebrating Christmas together. There will be songs you know, a reading of the Christmas story and a warm welcome for everyone. Come as you are, we are keeping a place for you."
Christmas Message for Absent or Isolated Members
Write to them without blame and without pressure to come back. Simply say you are thinking of them. A person who is isolated or ill above all needs to know that someone is waiting for them.
"We have not seen you for a while and we miss you. No obligation, no reproach: we just wanted to tell you that you matter to [church name]. Merry Christmas, and take all the time you need."
"To those who spend Christmas in illness, grief or distance: the church is thinking of you. You are not forgotten. If you wish, someone can come see you or call you. Just let us know."
"This season is not always easy. If your heart is not in it this year, know that you do not have to pretend in front of us. We are praying for you, and our door, like our phone, stays open whenever you want."
Verses to Go With Your Church's Christmas Message
A verse placed at the top or the end gives your letter its center. Choose just one, and give it room.
Luke 2:10
"The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people."
It suits the opening of an invitation, since it speaks of good news meant for all the people. Read all of Luke 2.
Philippians 1:3
"I thank my God whenever I remember you,"
To express your gratitude toward the community, this verse from Paul speaks of thankfulness for specific people. Read all of Philippians 1.
Matthew 1:23
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall give birth to a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, being interpreted, “God with us."
Very fitting for the absent and isolated, because it reminds us that God is with us. Read all of Matthew 1.
Romans 15:13
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit."
A wish for joy, peace and hope, ideal for closing a letter of greetings to the whole congregation. Read all of Romans 15.
How to Write Your Church's Christmas Message
Write the way you speak on Sunday. A Christmas message that is too institutional, with press-release phrasing, sounds cold. Use "we" for the team and "you" for the members.
Keep the message short. In an email, three or four paragraphs are enough. Highlight the practical information (date, time, place), but not at the expense of the warmth of the rest.
Sign it by hand, or have the team sign. A familiar name at the bottom of the message, or a little handwritten note on a paper version, completely changes how it is received.
Send it early enough, ten days before Christmas for an invitation, and in the last two or three days for greetings. Check the brackets before sending: a forgotten [date] is noticed immediately.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I send the Christmas message to church members?
Send the service invitation ten to fifteen days ahead, with a reminder the week before. Greetings fit better in the last two or three days, so that they arrive when everyone is preparing for the holiday.
Do I need a different message for email and for paper?
The substance can stay the same. By email, aim for brevity and put the practical information at the top. On paper, you can afford a more personal tone, a few lines in your own hand, and a verse on the cover.
How do I write to members who no longer come?
Keep it simple and free of blame. Say that they are missed, that the door is open and that no one is judging them. Avoid follow-ups about attendance. A concrete offer, like a call or a visit, is better than a vague invitation.
to take notes and ask questions.