Making the Most of Christmas
OK – so we know that Jesus wasn’t born on the 25th of December, we know that Christians hijacked the pagan midwinter festival, and we know that Santa Claus has more to do with Coca-Cola than Saint Nicholas.
We also know that at Christmas time people overspend themselves into debt, and domestic violence increases dramatically.
Does that mean that we shouldn’t celebrate Christmas? Maybe for some it might represent a challenge, but for the church it represents an incredible gospel opportunity. 
Firstly: there is a lot of socializing that goes on, which means that natural opportunities to meet, eat and talk are all over the place. Maybe you could pray ahead of your work Christmas party, or the end of term school bash, or your neighbours’ open house. Pray like the Apostle Paul, for God to ‘open a door for the message’. (Col 4)
Secondly: there is a lot of greeting going on. Whether you are ‘old school’ and send Christmas cards, or Gen Z and send something on TikTok that your parents don’t understand, you could grasp these moments and make them gospel moments. Include a scripture or a provocative question, or a graphic that will make your friends stop and think for a moment.
Thirdly: people expect Jesus to be part of the cultural conversation.. There will be TV ads, Christmas markets, and shop displays. Look for natural opportunities to connect these things to the reality of your Christian life and be ready to share your own story and how Jesus has worked in your life.
Lastly: Churches everywhere will be hosting events, and our friends and neighbours are expecting us to invite them, and as we do, some of them will say ‘yes please’. Let’s not miss the opportunity and say their ‘no’ for them.
You could invite them to be part of the Christmas Choir. Everyone loves a choir, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to spend time together, with the added bonus that your colleagues and friends can meet your Christian friends and realise we’re actually pretty normal (well, most of us!)
You could invite them to ‘Carols and Carol-oke at the Bellemoor’ on Thursday 11th December – a relaxed evening where we can have a sing along, try a little carol-oke and chat in the local pub. It’s always a great event.
You could also invite them to ‘Christmas on the Green’ on Saturday 13th December, joining with other churches in Shirley to an interactive exploration of the Christmas story for kids, a performance from a children’s choir and festive refreshments. A moment for the truth of the Christmas story in the midst of everything else kids hear at this time of year.
Finally, you could invite them to our big Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 14th December at King Edward’s School. This is always amazing. Maybe meet up for food or a drink before or after, so that you have plenty of time for conversations.
Whatever you do, let’s all play our part, and together, let’s make the most of Christmas!
Chris
Chris Kilby