The Music Exchange

As I write this article in September, already shops are filling their shelves with items for Christmas. Christmas is big business and anything with the 'Christmas' label is sure to sell like the proverbial hot mince pie.

I even saw Christmas washing-up liquid on sale yesterday, guaranteeing the aroma of Christmas as you tackle the crockery carnage during the Queen's speech. The good news for evangelism is that carol singing is still an essential part of the 'Xmas' experience for most people. Therefore, it's right that churches put on carol services as they're easy to invite friends to and a wonderful opportunity to hear of the Saviour born in a manger. Here are a few suggestions to keep away the ghost of carol service past.

Don't leave out the talk

A carol service isn't an excuse for a coup by the musicians. An address is essential. Bring on the wise man! People will not be saved unless they hear the word. A short talk is an opportunity to explain about the God who came down to earth to save sinners. If you're choosing the carols, make sure you liaise with the preacher to plan the carols carefully around the Bible passage being taught.
For most readers of this paper the importance of the talk will be forefront in your minds. Rightly, you'll be praying the most for the preacher and the hearing of the word. More time might be spent on preparing the talk than planning the rest of the service. However, let's not forget that when you invite your friends you're likely to mention carol singing, candles and mince pies before adding a quick 'and a short talk' under your breath. Don't deceive your friends. The talk can't be the only 'quality' item during the service. Make sure the rest of the meeting is first class, too. That's what your friends want. That's also what the preacher wants. He'll find people much more receptive if they have been enjoying singing the carols.

Don't let the music disappoint

We can all recall embarrassing music at carol services. Whether it's the over-enthusiastic out-of-tune soprano singing the first verse solo to 'Once in Royal' or the choir struggling through the latest Rutter anthem with many voices that should have been left in the bathroom.

The key message is to be realistic about the abilities of your musicians. The regular congregation will be more forgiving and will have developed a thicker skin. Think what the strengths are in your church music. If you can't find any men for your choir, don't feel you need to ask congregation members to volunteer those standing next to them during the singing. Why not have a ladies choir to lead the singing and belt out some of the delightful descants? If your music most Sundays has a contemporary style then expecting to change into Kings College Choir for the carol service is likely to fail. Use all the musicians available to you (brass instruments especially) to create a lively sound without forgetting you're playing carols and not choruses. If your choir are not up to singing a set piece then why not choose the best singer for a solo instead?

Remember the aim is to present the gospel to unbelievers; don't distract them from the message with poor music; it's also not honouring to God. The carol service should never be an annual jolly for the choir and an endurance test for the congregation. Good quality music, however grand or simple, will put the visitor at ease, teach gospel truths through the words and set up the preacher.

Don't alienate the visitor

Careful planning is required to ensure the visitor is made to feel welcomed. People visiting will notice the warm greeting, tasty mince pies and clean toilets (decorate with holly?!). These are easy 'feel-good' measures. You will need extra people to hand out refreshments. Make sure the readings are audible (and that the reader can see the Bible in the dim lighting!). Make sure there is available literature about your church or any investigating Christianity courses you run. Why not put them on the seats? Not everyone wants to make the trek across the church to the 'welcome desk'.

Carol services are great opportunities. Let's pray that in an increasingly secular country, carol singing continues to be part of the 'Xmas' experience. Let's pray that this Christmas our churches are full of people hearing the great glad tidings.

Andy Virr, who has written the column while Simpo is in Australia for a few weeks, works part-time as the Music Director of St. Ebbe's Church, Oxford.

The Music Exchange

The cattle are lowing... how to avoid the Christmas carol shocker

Don't leave out the talk

Don't let the music disappoint

Don't alienate the visitor

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