For many Moravians, celebrating Christmas means a packed church, beautiful music, joyous singing, beeswax candles, sharing a Lovefeast and more – all things that are difficult, if not impossible, in this very challenging year.

This year offers an opportunity to re-think and re-imagine many of our long-standing Christmas traditions. On one hand, we share a strong desire to continue the Christmas traditions we know and love. On the other, we can create new approaches to celebrating these holidays rising from our pandemic-caused limitations. Developing ways to meet both needs will help make this year special.

In August, a group began imagining what a Moravian Christmas might look like in this age of physical distancing, virtual worship and limited singing options. Their goal? To ensure that Christmas 2020 is a spiritual, memorable, surprising and Moravian experience.

This group is already hard at work developing a variety of Advent and Christmas resources and experiences. Some of the main focus areas include:

  • Music, liturgies, images, video and other resources for congregations in developing their worship and fellowship opportunities
  • Family at-home resources for spiritual formation, development and fun
  • Streaming video and online events for celebration and reflection
  • “Offline” resources to reach out to those who cannot join online services
  • Resources for possible outdoor events
  • Materials for “Blue Christmas” worship to care for those struggling during the Christmas season

These resources will be shared interprovincially beginning in November; virtual events and other resources will be available throughout Advent and Christmas.

The current group includes contributors from the Moravian Music Foundation, Interprovincial Board of Communication, Cooperative Ministries, Moravian Theological Seminary and Moravian Church Without Walls, along with pastors, Christian educators, musicians, writers, technical support and others from across the North American church.

We also recognize that there are many interesting and creative ideas being developed in our churches. As the Advent and Christmas seasons draw closer, we invite you to share your ideas, best practices and resources to help others to create a memorable – and holy — Advent and Christmas season.

We will add new material throughout the Advent and Christmas season, so check back often.

The Southern Province Board of Cooperative Ministries has begun soliciting Christmas reflections for use during the Advent and Christmas season.  For more information or to participate, click here.