As we approach the depth of the autumn season, we anticipate various holidays and celebrations that serve as markers of time. Days such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year provide opportunities for families to gather and enjoy one another’s company. Unfortunately, not all families get along in a peaceful manner. For many families, the holidays can be a period of stress, anxiety, grief, or even depression. Historically, Christians have set aside holidays and seasons of the Church to celebrate the goodness of the Lord. Throughout the Bible and church history, special feast days and celebrations were marked off as opportunities to worship God and gather in community to celebrate God‘s goodness.
Even an increasingly secular cultural holiday season can also provide opportunities to share the gospel with family and friends that we do not see on a regular basis. Here are a few ways to consider sharing the gospel of this holiday season.
Pray
Scripture encourages us to be continually in prayer (1 Thess 5:17). As we consider ways to share the gospel with others, the first place to begin is prayer. Pray for opportunities. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart and the hearts of those we interact with at holiday gatherings. If you are one of the many people that will be traveling this holiday season, pray for opportunities to share the gospel as you travel. Whether that be at the airport, on a plane, or at a gas station/rest stop, there are countless ways to be present in the opportunities around us if we only pray and ask for them. Jesus challenges us to “ask and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24, ESV). Saint James echoes our Lord when he reminds us that “you have not, because you ask” (James 4:2). Everything begins with, and continues in a prayerful posture toward the opportunities that we have to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our everyday lives.
Be Kind
This one should go without saying, but unfortunately, in our day and age kindness cannot be assumed. We all know “those people” who are overzealous about their faith and think they are right about everything. Don’t be those people. Nobody likes that kind of person, and that is the fastest way to turn people off from any chance you have of sharing the gospel. Truth be told it’s not that hard to be kind. Jesus gives us a good path to follow and kindness. We call it the golden rule “treat others as you want to be treated” (Luke 6:31). In a world that can be lacking and kindness, a little kindness can go a long way. This means treating that weird cousin, or your mean uncle the way you want to be treated (i.e. Like a human being). Don’t treat others like a “project” that needs to be fixed. Simply love them like Jesus, and be kind. You’ll be surprised how that may open up opportunities to serve others and share the gospel.
Be Ready
Last but certainly not least: we need to be ready. Saint Peter exerts us to “always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asked you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). As we pray and prepare for opportunities to share the gospel this holiday season, we must be ready. When an opportunity arises at that family gathering, or at your work party, be ready to share. You don’t have to have a “planned speech”, simply share the reason for the hope that is in you. One of the best ways to be ready is to invite family and friends to church. During the holiday seasons, many people are more likely to attend a religious service than at other times of the year. Invite someone to church, and plan to have time after to talk about their experience. Be ready to answer any question they may have. It’s important to remember however you don’t have to be an expert. If they ask you a question that you don’t know the answer to, share with them a book or point them to someone who can answer the question. Use it as an opportunity to have a follow up conversation at a later date. The most important thing to remember is simply to be available.
As the holiday season approaches, prayerfully, consider ways to share the gospel. Remember to be kind and to be ready for any opportunity that the Lord may open to you. As I mentioned above, most people are more likely to be open to conversations of a spiritual nature during the holidays. This provides a unique opportunity to share the gospel with those who need to be reminded of this most wonderful truth that God loves them and has made a way to be with them. as you go about your advent and Christmas activities this year remember to pray, be kind, and be ready.
Magna Dei Gloria
Photo Credit Unsplash.com
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