Preaching Through The Holiday Season | Episode 005

Surviving Christmas as a Pastor: Preaching Advent Without Burning Out | EP05

Christmas comes at the same time every year — but for pastors, it can feel like a mountain of pressure: preach something “fresh,” plan the programs, decorate the building, host the parties, protect your family time, and still show up with joy.

In this episode of They Call Me Pastor, Kyle and Don talk honestly about how to preach Advent, lead your church, and stay healthy through the busiest season on the ministry calendar.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of December, this episode is for you.

⸻

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
• How to preach the Christmas story without chasing “new revelation”
• Using Advent themes (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love) in a Pentecostal context
• Why the second Advent — our blessed hope — matters for Christmas preaching
• Practical ways to plan early so you don’t collapse by December 26
• How to delegate decorating, parties, and programming without guilt
• Protecting your family, your health, and your soul from seasonal overload
• Helping your kids fall in love with the Bride of Christ
• The mindset shift from activities coordinator to shepherd

⸻

Why This Episode Matters

Pastors often feel they need to “save Christmas” with a perfect message or flawless program — but as Kyle and Don remind us:

“Jesus already saved Christmas.”

Your job is to preach the gospel, lead your people well, and not lose yourself (or your family) in the process.

⸻

Top Quotes

“It’s not just hope and peace for the birth of Christ — we’re looking toward the second Advent, our blessed hope.”
“Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is go take a nap.”
“You’re not an event coordinator; you’re a shepherd. Lead people to Christ.”

⸻

Timestamps

00:00 – Advent and the second coming: our blessed hope
00:37 – Christmas isn’t a party; it’s an invitation to encounter Christ
01:21 – The pressure of preaching a familiar story
02:10 – Keeping Christmas sermons fresh (without adding to Scripture)
02:36 – Advent for Pentecostals: sacred, not stuffy
04:05 – The culture already hears the gospel in December
05:27 – Isaiah 7 & 9 and the prophetic roots of Christmas
06:07 – Hope & Peace (combining Advent themes)
07:49 – Mary’s courage, Joseph’s obedience, and timeless Christmas focus
08:00 – How early Kyle & Don plan Christmas
09:55 – Theme planning, graphics, and team collaboration
10:38 – Avoiding burnout: fewer events, healthier rhythm
12:40 – Boundaries, naps, and caring for your own soul
18:23 – Inviting your kids into the life of the church
21:12 – People support what they help create
22:30 – Delegation and letting your team lead
23:45 – Surviving Christmas: prepare early, delegate, protect your health
24:52 – Final encouragement: preach Jesus clearly & rest deeply

⸻

If This Episode Helped You…

✔️ Like the video
✔️ Subscribe to the channel
✔️ Share it with a pastor or ministry leader who needs encouragement this season

⸻

Stay Connected

📩 Email: [email protected]
📱 Instagram: @theycallmepastorpodcast

Merry Christmas, Pastor.
Preach Jesus — and don’t forget to breathe.