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Making the most of Christmas ::
Christmas comes but once a year, so make sure you make the most of the evangelistic opportunities, says LUKE TATTERSALL.
(Maybe you could use this article in your own church newsletter?)
Source: Perspective Vo7 No3&4 ©Perspective 1999
When Australians think about “making the most of Christmas” we normally think in terms of doing as little as we can – finding a nice spot in the shade with a long cool drink on Christmas day, and maybe heading away for a few days at the beach during the break. But as Christians we need to think about making the most of Christmas, not by taking a break, but by thinking about how we can take advantage of the Gospel opportunities Christmas gives us.
Think about this: Christmas and Easter are the only times during the year that Jesus is on the agenda for public discussion. There will be articles in the newspaper about him (probably denying the virgin birth or casting doubts about his life). There will be movies on TV about him. There will be shops with Nativity Scenes in the window (if there‘s room left beside Santa and the reindeer.) Many of the Christmas cards you get will depict Jesus’ birth, and they even have a Bible verse on them. There will be Carols by Candlelight in the cities, as well as countless other smaller ones around the country – probably in your local area. And all this because of Jesus. He is the focus of it all – the centre of attention. Do you see what I mean? Everyone seems to be talking, reading and singing about Jesus at Christmas – but they are doing most of it without much thought. Our job is to get them to think about the real Jesus and especially why he was born into this world. Most Australians are aware that they get to have a holiday at Christmas because of Jesus, but they may not be able to tell you all the details. In fact, they probably don’t want to dwell on it too much – it’s enough that Jesus is the reason for their extended break from work.
So how do you make the most of those opportunities? Well here are a few suggestions.
First, it’s surprising how many opportunities will come up in conversation. One expression you’ll hear a lot over Christmas (especially on TV) is “…that’s the real spirit of Christmas.” People will be talking about some charitable act or some kind gesture, and they’ll say, “That’s what Christmas is all about.” Nice try. But the fact is, that’s not what Christmas is about. You know that. You know that it’s about the Saviour coming into the world. So why not try to set them straight this year? When you hear someone use an expression like that this Christmas make sure you correct them. The “spirit of Christmas” is all about God sending his son into the world when the world was rejecting God. The “spirit of Christmas” is about a holy God doing something for people who spent their life ignoring him. Have an answer ready for people. One “red herring” that people pull out at this time of the year is the doubt about real date of Jesus’ birth. I’ve even met some Christians who get in a knot about it. It doesn’t really matter when the real date is.
The fact is, this is the time of the year that people around the world have chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Sure, there’s no certainty about the date of Jesus’ birth. The festival of Christmas may have a mixed background – but in our country people know that December 25th is the date we celebrate the birth of Jesus. The exact date isn’t that important. It is a bit like the Queen’s Birthday in Australia – that is not really her birthday – but it is the day we choose to celebrate her birth and her significance. People know that Christmas is Jesus’ birthday. But most of them don’t have a clue why he was born or what significance it has to them (other than a few days off work). That’s another great opportunity for you. Ask them if they know why Jesus was born. Help them to understand what Christmas is about. Help them to know that God sent his son into the world so that they could have life – real life – not just a few days off work in December.
When you think about it there are plenty of simply ways that you can use Christmas to try to get the Gospel across to people. Here are a few ideas – you may have more of your own: At Work – One of the members of our church is involved in a Christian Fellowship group in his workplace. They’re inviting people to attend a Christmas meeting – their final get-together for the year. It’s on during lunchtime, and they’re providing food and drink. They are also inviting someone to share the Gospel. At Home – Why not invite your neighbours to the Carols Service your church is running? Or church on Christmas Day? Chances are, they’ll be thinking about attending some kind of religious event somewhere. It’s a time of “maximum willingness.”
Why not make it at your church – if the gospel is sure to be preached? With Family – You may have non-Christian family members. Think carefully about what you give them for Christmas. Why not stick in a good Christian book that will help them understand why Christmas is so important. With Friends – Ask people what they think Christmas is about and then take the opportunity to tell them what you know it is about. Send your friends a good Christmas card. Matthias Media have been putting out Christmas cards with a good message for the last few years. I know that most people (myself included) find it hard to get a Gospel conversation started with friends, family and work-mates. That’s why it is important to be looking for and praying for the opportunities to speak to people at Christmas. Jesus is already on people’s minds at this time of the year. See to it that you make the most of Christmas this year.
Luke Tattersall ministers at Parramatta Presbyterian Church in New South Wales
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