With COVID-19 and all the sweeping changes that have come in its wake, 2020 has been a more challenging year than any in recent memory. And this Christmas may prove to be more challenging as well. It seems we've adapted nearly every area of our lives, and the church is no exception. For many, one of those changes was streaming their services online instead of (or in addition to) face-to-face gatherings.
For some, online streaming was already in place and being well-utilized, for others it was a whole new ball game. Whether directly from our church websites, Facebook, YouTube, Zoom, or others - streaming our services is now fairly common and will continue long after the pandemic. And that's a good thing! People all over the world are tuning in, and the Gospel is more widely available than ever before. If you're not already streaming but would like to begin, learn more!
For some, online streaming was already in place and being well-utilized, for others it was a whole new ball game. Whether directly from our church websites, Facebook, YouTube, Zoom, or others - streaming our services is now fairly common and will continue long after the pandemic. And that's a good thing! People all over the world are tuning in, and the Gospel is more widely available than ever before. If you're not already streaming but would like to begin, learn more!
An increasing number of music ministers have adapted to streaming as well. They've adjusted in every way possible to meet the needs of their congregations and praise teams. From pre-recording videos at home to forming small ensembles in place of larger worship teams or choirs, we've seen a number of changes in the ways churches have come together to worship. Streaming has become an important part of how we gather; it's impacted the way we minister to those at higher risk and to those unable to attend on Sunday mornings. We have an incredible opportunity here to reach people beyond our church walls and worship together regardless of our physical location.
1. Reaching elderly members who are unable to physically attend.
2. Introducing new folks to your church and giving them a sense of what to expect.
3. Accommodating the various work schedules and traveling needs of your congregation.
4. Expanding your church's online reach.
5. Countering the negative ideas some have about church.
6. Allowing members who've relocated to stay connected with your ministry.
7. Giving the missionaries you support an opportunity to experience worship together with you.
8. Spreading the Gospel all over the world!
We’ve said it before and it’s worth repeating: we know this Christmas will look different from those in the past. But having the ability to celebrate our Savior’s birth together even while physically apart is a real blessing. Imagine being able to share your Christmas services with family members who live elsewhere and are unable to visit for the holidays. Imagine being able to worship together from the comfort of our homes when we're not able to meet in person.
This year, though we may look back to "Christmases long, long ago," let's remember that this truly is the most wonderful time of the year! And this holiday season, while "streaming of a White Christmas," let's celebrate the Savior's birth and join our hearts together in worship... from wherever we are.
If you need Christmas music to stream online this year, no worries! Discover Worship offers a great selection of Christmas music that you can stream for free with your annual membership. You can see our complete list of Free-to-Stream Christmas Music HERE!
Check out these other Discover Worship blogs about streaming and simplifying Christmas:
