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The song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." It really is - for telling people about Jesus. God has divinely positioned you in the lives of some folks who don't belong to Jesus so they can have a chance to belong to Him. You are their chance, and Christmastime is your best time to tell them about the "Savior who is born to you" (Luke 2:8 ).
There's no time of the year when it's more natural to talk about Jesus. For once, He's everywhere in our culture - TV specials, music at the mall, manger scenes, cards, community Christmas events. The Bible directs us to "make the most of every opportunity" (Colossians 4:5 ), and the Christmas season is loaded with them. If you're looking for them, this time could be decisive for people you love to open their heart to Jesus, because hearts are softer at Christmas.
It's time to be praying the 3-open prayer for people you care about:
- "Lord, open a door."
- "Lord, open their heart."
- "Lord, open my mouth."
Christmastime is rescue time. When the angel told Joseph, "You shall call His name Jesus," he was saying it all. Because the name Jesus means "God rescues." That's the mission of Christmas - rescuing us from what our sins are doing to us and what they will cost us. And you're joining Jesus in the reason He came when you use His birthday to help rescue those He came for.
Ask God to make "Christmastime is rescue time" a mindset so you'll have eyes to see the many life-saving opportunities you have during the season.
Here are a few ideas to get you started on rescue-think at Christmas:
The Event
Pick a Christmas concert or special event that you think will effectively present Christ. Then plan to make a social evening out of it with one or two couples you've been praying for. Invite them to have dinner before you go to the event, and be sure to include coming back to your house for dessert afterwards. That's where you have an opportunty to use what was said about Jesus at the event as a springboard to talk about what this Jesus has done for you. If you know of a Gospel-oriented Christmas DVD or Tivo-ed TV program you can show, that can also open doors.
The Christmas Cards
My daughter has a Christmas card list that goes all the way back to her high school friends. She selects Christmas cards that effectively communicate Christ to people who don't know Him. She likes to write a personal note in those cards, reinforcing her ongoing love for the people who are the tapestry of her life. It's a good example of intentionality in using Christmas to bring lost folks closer to Jesus.
Many people include a personal letter with their Christmas cards, updating everyone on their lives. If your Hope Story of how Jesus has changed your life is written, it can be included in your Christmas cards. There may also be opportunities to give it personally to people at work or to neighbors or family members, especially if it's laid out with a Christmas look to it.
Your Hope Story should:
- Be brief. It's a busy time of the year.
- Communicated in non-religious words.
- Emphasize the real difference Jesus is making in your life - in the kind of parent you are, spouse, friend, single person, leader, employer, employee. And what difference He's made in the lonely times, the depressing times, the bad news times, the financial setbacks, the medical issues, the funerals.
- Interweave the Gospel, showing how His story changed your story. The wall that was between you and God because of your sin; your realization that Jesus came to pay your death penalty; how the wall came down and He came in the day you grabbed Him like a dying person grabs their Rescuer.
- Tell them you'd welcome the opportunity to talk more about this whenever they'd like.
The Burdens
Christmas not only amplifies the love and joy in people's lives, but it also amplifies the sorrows - of a lost loved one, a divorce, a broken relationship, medical battles, financial struggles. Just offering to pray with someone about that burden - not just for them - gives you the opportunity to express your relationship with God in a way that touches their life.
The Gifts
Who are some people who need Jesus that you could give a special gift to this Christmas? The gift doesn't have to be expensive. It really is the thought that counts. The gift can be as simple as home-baked bread or cookies. Include a special note or Christmas booklet, or a short version of your Hope Story. People to think about: neighbors, coworkers, teachers, service-providers, doctors, dentists and nurses. Reach out to some people who otherwise might not get gifts.
If your kids are in school, you can give a Christmas Goodie Bag to their classmates for distribution at the class Christmas party. You can include Christmas candy or cookies, a candy cane, other fun items you think of and a Christmas book or booklet that's about Jesus and age-appropriate.
Facebook Updates
Think about how you can use your "Facebook universe" as a place to get people thinking about Jesus this season. For example, you can post a status update that shares your heart about what Jesus means to you this Christmas. Something like:
- "Celebrating the birthday of the Man who died so I can live"
- "Celebrating the birth of the Man who gave His life and changed my life forever"
You can also send a Facebook message that expresses what that person means to you and how the Baby changed everything for you.
Christmastime Rescue Resources
This ministry really believes that Christmastime is rescue time. Because of this, we've tried to provide through our website resources that can help you tell His story.
- "A 'Roaring Camp' Christmas" - a great Christmas story and Gospel presentation from the Old West
- "I'll Be Home For Christmas" - a downloadable e-book that presents the Gospel
- "Born to Rescue" - 12 daily inspirational thoughts that are Gospel-centered
- "25 Days of Christmas Moments" - short Christmas-themed stories available in audio or transcript
- Christmas Gospel "A Word with You" radio programs in the days leading up to Christmas
Christmas has been a season for "spreading the word" about Jesus since the first Christmas! "When the shepherds had seen Him, they spread the word concerning Him...all who heard it were amazed" (Luke 2:17-18 ). These next couple of weeks could be your best chance to help someone you care about be in heaven with you someday. Don't be so Christmas-busy that you let this wonderful season of opportunity slip away. |
