Looking Ahead In Christian Ed
edited* b y M a rga r e t Ja cobsen , M»A . Associate professor of Christian Education, Biola Bible College
Cltlistmas Caldine WithCi Pulpose
By Earle F. Hulin Director, School of Sacred Music, Bible Institute of Los Angeles
J ust exactly what do you have in mind when you go Christmas car oling? When you return are you satisfied with the results? Your pur pose in going out in this type of wit nessing should be one which gives glory to the Lord and a blessing to those who know Him. We have a rare privilege in this type of minisr try of very tenderly pointing the un saved to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Although it must be admitted that the modem celebration of Christmas is commercialized, seemingly com pletely removed from the quiet sim plicity of that night long ago in Bethlehem, still the fact remains that underneath, hearts are more recep tive toward spiritual things at this season than at almost any other time of the year. In the light of this, we are missing a golden opportunity if we do not engage in some kind of a Christmas caroling program, for here is a chance to'bear a testimony out where the people are—on the streets and in the home. If, however, we seek to do a work for God by singing carols and relying merely on tender memories and emotions, we are al most certainly doomed to failure, no matter how good we or our group may feel. It is the entrance of God’s Word that giveth light—it is our re sponse to the claims of Christ that de cides our eternal destination. The question now comes, how then can we effect such a program? First of all, the committee in charge must have in mind, and be sold on the fact, that they are planning for a ministry and not a social gathering. (The last- mentioned aspect will be covered la ter.) This premise must then be pre sented in such a way to the whole
If there are instruments, they1 should not overpower the singers. Also there should be a leader to see that there is a pleasing variety of numbers: It is easy to be over-zealous when mapping out a route to follow, but a good suggestion is that it not be too long. Sometimes, it is advisable to have two or three smaller groups rather than a large unwieldly one, and then, a larger area could be covered. (We have purposely omit ted any reference to the means of transportation, as that is entirely de pendent upon the local situation.) . After caroling there should be a comfortable place to gather for a time of fellowship. Refreshments could be prepared and ready to serve within a few minutes after the return of the carolers. At this time it would be well to pray God’s blessing on the evening’s activities and the work of the Holy Spirit on all that has been said and done. Whether there should be further singing or games after the refreshments is up to the social com mittee. An informal hour would be most appreciated, but the com mittee should have several things planned in case the mind of the group would indicate a desire for something of a more definite nature. Finally, a suggested agenda for such an evening would be as follows: 7:30-8:00 — Final instructions and prayer, 8:00-9:30—Caroling and 9:30 —Refreshments and social hour. This is caroling with a purpose and each individual who thoughtfully en gages in such a program will have a more joyous Christmas* for like the angels that hovered over Bethlehem many years ago, each will have had the opportunity to tell of the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.
group that they will see the oppor tunity and be challenged by the pos sible effectiveness of such service. In a program of the type we have in mind, each person is important, for each can have two real minis tries: namely, singing or playing the glad tidings of Jesus’ birth and hand ing out Christmas tracts from door to door. What better way could there be to strengthen the outlook of young people than to actually put them in the business of making contact with the lost? In relation to the over-all program of your group, here also is a chance for teach ing — fresh and timely subject material for regular meetings—the opportunity for coun sel and discussion on how to best en gage in such a program. To do the job well, the area to be covered should be carefully mapped out so that each home will be reached once, yet none twice. The literature for this occasion, whether regularly published material or a special leaf let, should be simple, brief and to the point. A brief statement identifying the group might be in order. The material should be distributed with a friendly word of greeting, but no special effort should be made to en gage in conversation. While contacts are being made, the carolers should be in the area so that they may be heard. It is to be un derstood that unless there are special reasons for exceptions, each person should take his turn at both minis tries. This should all be worked out ahead of time so that everything will proceed smoothly and the choir kept relatively balanced. If at all possible, the choir should plan to sing in parts; they should be familiar with the words, or have easy access to them.
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