5 ways to share the gospel this Christmas

 

Christmas is not only a time for family, gifts, and celebrations; it is also the perfect opportunity to share the message of hope and salvation that comes through the birth of Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to share the Good News with others, and what better time than during the season when the world is focused on the birth of our Savior? The Christmas season offers many natural opportunities to engage with people and share the gospel, whether through acts of kindness, conversations, or intentional outreach. Here are five meaningful ways to share the gospel this Christmas, each deeply rooted in Scripture and designed to reach hearts with the message of God’s love.

1. Through Acts of Service and Generosity

One of the most powerful ways to share the gospel during Christmas is through acts of service and generosity. The message of Christ's birth is inherently one of selfless love and sacrifice. In John 3:16, we are reminded that “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” Jesus came as a gift to the world, and this act of sacrificial love can be mirrored in our own lives as we give to others.

Practical Ways:

Serve in your community: Volunteer at a local food bank, homeless shelter, or nursing home. Help those in need, and let your actions speak of God’s love. When you serve others, especially those who may not expect it, you embody the selfless love Christ demonstrated in His life and ministry.

Give thoughtful gifts: Give gifts to friends, family, and even strangers that reflect the love and generosity of Christ. Whether it's a small gesture, a donation, or a gift that serves someone’s specific need, let the gift-giving spirit of Christmas point to the ultimate gift of Jesus.

Support global missions: Christmas is a great time to contribute to global mission work. Whether through donations, prayer, or raising awareness for causes that spread the gospel in under-reached areas, your support can extend the message of Christmas to the ends of the earth.

How it shares the gospel:

By demonstrating Christ’s love through tangible actions, people can see the gospel in motion. Your service and generosity show others what God’s love looks like in practice and provide opportunities for conversations about the source of that love—Jesus.

2. Through Personal Invitations to Church Services or Events

Christmas is often a time when people are more open to attending church services, especially those centered around the Christmas story. Many people who wouldn't normally set foot in a church might be more willing to attend a special Christmas Eve service, Christmas Day service, or even a Christmas concert.

Practical Ways:

Invite family and friends: Reach out to family members, neighbors, and friends, and personally invite them to attend a church service with you. Make it personal and warm, emphasizing that the true meaning of Christmas is found in the birth of Christ, and you’d love to celebrate this truth together.

Share special Christmas events: Many churches offer special events, such as live nativity scenes, concerts, or children's programs. These can be great ways to introduce the gospel in a non-threatening, yet impactful way.

Offer a ride or meet for coffee afterward: Sometimes, the invitation is more likely to be accepted if you offer to meet the person where they are, providing transportation or companionship before and after the service.

How it shares the gospel:

By inviting others into the community of believers, you provide them with the opportunity to hear the gospel, either through the message shared during the service or through the testimonies of fellow believers. Church services centered around the birth of Jesus are rich in gospel truth and can be a transformative experience for someone seeking meaning.

3. Through Gospel-Focused Conversations

While acts of service and church events are excellent, one of the most personal and effective ways to share the gospel is through direct, heartfelt conversations. Christmas provides many opportunities for meaningful dialogue, especially as conversations tend to center around family, traditions, and the significance of the holiday. This creates a natural opening for discussing the gospel.

Practical Ways:

Ask open-ended questions: Engage your family and friends with thoughtful questions like, “What do you think Christmas is really about?” or “Have you ever thought about what the birth of Jesus means to you personally?” This opens the door for you to share the deeper meaning of the holiday.

Share your personal testimony: People are often moved when they hear about how God has worked in someone’s life. Share your own story of how you came to know Christ and how the gospel has impacted your life. Be honest, vulnerable, and real about what Christ has done for you.

Focus on the meaning of Christmas: Use the story of the nativity as a springboard to explain who Jesus is—God incarnate, sent to bring salvation to all who believe in Him. Share how the Christmas story reveals God’s love, humility, and grace, and how Jesus' life and death were the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to redeem mankind.

How it shares the gospel:

Personal conversations are powerful because they come from a place of authenticity and love. By sharing what Christmas means to you personally and pointing to the gospel message of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, you help others see the true significance of the season. People are often more receptive to the gospel when they feel a personal connection to the one sharing it.

4. Through Creative Outreach and Media

The use of media and creative outreach can be a highly effective tool for spreading the gospel message during Christmas. Whether it’s through social media, personal blogs, or other forms of digital communication, the Christmas season offers a great opportunity to share gospel-centered messages.

Practical Ways:

Share Bible verses or reflections on social media: Post verses that highlight the true meaning of Christmas, such as John 1:14 (“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us”), or a personal reflection on what the season means to you. Encourage your followers to reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth and what it means for their lives.

Use videos or Christmas cards to share the gospel: Create or share videos that explain the true meaning of Christmas or send out gospel-centered Christmas cards. These can be shared with friends, family, or coworkers as a way to open up discussions about Jesus.

Create or participate in an outreach event: Whether it’s hosting a Christmas movie night with a gospel message or creating a Christmas charity drive that directly benefits others, these kinds of events can act as a platform for sharing the hope of Christ in a relaxed, engaging way.

How it shares the gospel:

Media allows you to reach people who might not be open to direct conversation. It provides a way to spread the gospel through creative means, and often, it’s something that can be shared and passed along, extending the message to others beyond your immediate reach.

5. Through Prayers of Blessing and Intercession

Sometimes, sharing the gospel doesn’t require words at all. Prayer is a deeply powerful way to share the love of Christ and invite God to move in someone’s heart. Praying for others—especially during the Christmas season—demonstrates love, care, and a desire for God’s intervention in their lives.

Practical Ways:

Pray for opportunities: Ask God to open doors for you to share the gospel during the Christmas season. Pray that He would soften the hearts of those you come into contact with, that they would be receptive to the message of hope and salvation in Christ.

Pray with others: If someone is going through a difficult time, offer to pray with them. It doesn’t have to be a long, formal prayer; just a simple prayer asking for peace, joy, and the presence of Christ in their lives. Prayer can be a powerful bridge to deeper conversations about faith.

Bless others with prayers of peace and salvation: Whether you’re with your family or friends, or even acquaintances, offer prayers of blessing that invite God’s peace and presence into their lives. These prayers often open doors for further gospel conversations.

How it shares the gospel:

Prayer invites God to work in people’s lives in a way that we cannot. It is a humble acknowledgment that we are not in control, but God is. By interceding on behalf of others, we participate in God’s redemptive plan, trusting that He will bring the light of the gospel to those who need it most.

Conclusion: Sharing the Gospel This Christmas

Christmas is a season brimming with opportunities to share the gospel. Whether through acts of service, personal invitations, heartfelt conversations, creative outreach, or prayer, each of these methods provides a unique way to point others to the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. As you go about celebrating this holiday, remember that the greatest gift you can give others is the gospel message, the hope of salvation found in Christ alone. By intentionally looking for opportunities to share His love and message of hope, you can make this Christmas a time of eternal significance for those around you.