The holidays are upon us. The stores are packed with shoppers. The FedEx, UPS and mail trucks are crisscrossing the neighborhoods. Entire blocks of homes are aglow with Christmas lights and illuminated inflatable decorations. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of this time, it’s easy to forget that the reason we celebrate is because of the incredible miracle of Christ’s birth, the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah.
As we gather with friends and relatives over the next few days, don’t let the opportunity to share your faith in Christ pass you by! On a recent Share Life Today broadcast, John Sorensen, president of Evangelism Explosion, shared some tips on how to seamlessly weave the discussion of Christ into your Christmas celebration. He said,
Christmas gatherings revolve around two things – food and presents. We can use this to the Gospel advantage!
Before mealtime, ask if you can pray. Now, don’t say “Thanks for the food, God, Amen.” Use this opportunity to present the Gospel! As you pray, thank Jesus for His abundant grace and love in your life. Thank Him for giving you the free gift of salvation and for the forgiveness of sins. In your prayer, ask God to show Himself to anyone in the room who may not know Him and thank Him for each person.
Before opening presents, there are a couple of things you can do to bring Jesus into the center of attention! Suggest that everyone goes around and share how they’ve felt blessed this year – create an environment of gratitude. You can express your thankfulness for the season and explain that it’s ultimately a representation of God’s intention to bring people to Himself. Thank God for the gift of redemption in front of your family and friends.
Remember, if you are willing to open your mouth for Christ, God will use you!
The Lord says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11. It is with that confidence that we’d encourage you to proclaim the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ with vigor this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas and may God bless your 2019.
