You look ahead on your calendar. Yikes. Is Christmas Eve really that close? You think to yourself: We're supposed to produce something mesmerizing and memorable for our faithful family and their guests on Christmas Eve. But how do we make this repetitious traditional event exciting and different?

My response is, "Maybe you shouldn't."

For years I've struggled with this dilemma, and I finally decided to do an informal survey to dig out some genius gray matter from fellow ministers and worship leaders, to see what they say is new and exciting with Christmas Eve. You know what? Many people don't want a camel and donkey show on Christmas Eve. The old, old story is still a new and improved concept. It's not only effective, it's expected.

One survey responder wrote, "How can you improve on the best story ever?"

Another surveyed said, "I recall attending a service in which the minister played some Mannheim Steamroller in the background while reading ...