Christmas is a really great opportunity to be intentional about sharing Jesus with those around us.
We’re encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15 to ‘… Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...’
So here’s four ways you can share the HOPE of Jesus this Christmas – including some top tips for Christmas conversation starters.
We demonstrate biblical hospitality when we show welcome to strangers.
Take notice of someone on the margins today. Smile and greet them.
Hebrews 13:2 tells us: ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.’ In the busyness of the Christmas season, consider how you can intentionally make time for someone outside your normal circle of friends.
It might surprise you to hear that, after having a conversation with a Christian about their faith, more than a third of non-Christians say they are “open to an experience or encounter with Jesus Christ” (Talking Jesus, 2022).
People are more open to the gospel than you might think.
Asking questions is a great way to start a conversation. It could be as simple as asking someone “What gives you hope this Christmas?" – then taking the opportunity to share the hope you have in Christ.
Which 2-3 people can you pray for this Christmas – that they would come to know the hope Jesus brings?
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 encourages us: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’
Let’s continue to pray for people by name, asking God to reveal himself to them, and for them to be open to the message of Jesus’ hope.
One in five say attending a church service was a key factor in them coming to faith in Jesus (Talking Jesus, 2022).
Who could you invite to come to church with you?
Think about which church services you could invite people to over the Christmas period, and beyond. To encourage them to join you, could you offer to give them a lift, get a drink or have a meal together before or after the service?
For people of other faith backgrounds, you could ask them: “Did you know that anyone can walk into a church as a visitor?” This helps them realise that they aren't becoming a Christian automatically by going to a carol service.
If you’re wondering how to start a conversation this Christmas, here are some tips from LCM missionaries:
Joseph Pandian, a missionary in West London, encourages us: “A simple, genuine conversation can be the beginning of an opportunity to share the hope, peace and joy we have in Christ.”
Joseph continues: “When talking with friends, neighbours or colleagues about Christmas, begin with asking questions, then listen to their answer and finally share your own thoughts.”
Here are some examples of questions you could ask:
Hannah Newham, part of LCM’s children, youth and schools team, suggests that “Do you know the Christmas story?” can be a particularly good question, especially if you’re invited to a school nativity. It can open up conversations on what actually happened, and you can follow up with sharing what you love about the Christmas story.
Hannah continues: “You can also ask, ‘What's the best gift you've ever received?’ Even if they don’t celebrate Christmas, they may visit a Santa or shop in the sales at Christmas time. This question allows you to talk about how God gave us the best gift – himself!”
For people from faith communities who might not celebrate Christmas, a good open question to ask is “What are you doing over Christmas?”
Vijay Kumar’s tip is to start with curiosity, not with a sermon. “One question I often ask is, ‘Have you ever read the Christmas story for yourself in the Bible?’ Most people are familiar with Christmas in some way, but surprisingly few have taken the time to read the account for themselves.
“It's a simple and genuine question that often leads to meaningful conversations about Jesus and gives people the opportunity to explore the story firsthand.”
After listening, be bold and take the opportunity to share the gospel truth with them.
Andrew Barnett explains “It's a trade-off; after asking them questions, I'd most likely get the opportunity, after building rapport, to share my thoughts on the gospel and the hope we have at Christmas. It's about discerning how they respond during the conversation.”
Andrew continues: “Be confident in sharing what you know to be true, and share it in an applicable way that's relatable to the person you’re speaking with.”
Here are some ideas of how you can bring up the gospel truth at Christmas time:
“How awesome it is that God himself came down to us, or how the shepherds heard the angels say ‘Jesus is a reason for great joy for all people’.”
“God loved us so much that he came into our world in the person of Jesus”.
“It does get so dark this time of year, and I think that's why we love Christmas lights so much. They feel like a little glimmer of hope in the gloom. That's actually how the Bible describes Jesus: a light that shines in the darkness. Does that idea mean anything to you at this time of year?”
And another, which also works well in a carol service: “Here's a fun fact: Joy to the World isn't actually about Jesus' birth. It was written about his return, when he comes back to make all things new. Do you know much about the story of Jesus beyond the baby in the manger?”
LCM shares the gospel alongside the local church of London, equipping everyday Christians to lovingly bring a message of hope in Christ to those least likely to hear it.
Registered Charity No. 247186
