Sharing your faith with others is something you can do year-round in many different ways. However, the holidays offer unique opportunities to connect with others over your faith. If you're not comfortable starting direct conversations about your religion, there are plenty of subtle ways to give of yourself while sharing your faith in God. Try these ideas for sharing your faith this holiday season.
Most churches have special holiday services and events throughout the holiday season. Reach out to friends, family or neighbors who don't have a church home to invite them to those events. If your church has flyers for the events, grab some extras to share. Or you can print or handwrite invitations to the holiday church services. Plan to ride together or meet at the church if the person you invite is a little nervous about attending a new church. You can also invite them out to coffee after the service or give them a tour of your church so they can see what it offers and ask questions they might have.
Bring back the tradition of Christmas caroling in your community. Organize a group of friends or people you know from church to go caroling together. Inviting people who might not have as strong of faith as you can help them feel the joy of sharing the word through song. Choose songs that emphasize the faith aspect of the season. You might also bring some gospel tracts to pass out as you carol. Plan to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies as a group after caroling to add a fun touch to the ministry.
Choosing faith-based holiday cards lets every person on your Christmas card list receive a little message of faith. You can also add a handwritten Bible verse or spiritual message to each card. Choose a message that fits the recipient to make it personal. This is an easy option, especially if you're concerned about getting a negative reaction. You're sending the message of faith, but you don't have to deal with negativity if the recipient doesn't appreciate the message.
Giving your time allows you to give back with the possibility of sharing your faith at the same time. Your church will likely need volunteers for its holiday events. This gives you a chance to represent the church and your faith to guests who might not consider themselves overly religious. Choose other volunteer opportunities in your community that align with your values and faith while making a difference in the community. While volunteering, you might have the opportunity to talk about the season's true meaning and your faith. You might get the chance to pray for someone who's in a shelter.
Gather people with varying degrees of faith for a faith-based holiday celebration. Your guest list dictates how much faith you incorporate into the event — some people are more comfortable than others talking about faith. You might host a birthday party for Jesus, have a movie night with a faith-based holiday movie or put together care packages for those in need. Play your favorite faith-based holiday songs to set the tone at the party.
Whether you realize it or not, lots of people in your community will likely spend the holidays alone. This could be anyone from older adults with no family around to international college students who can't fly home for the holidays. Hosting someone helps them avoid being lonely over the holidays and gives you a chance to share your faith with them. You might invite them to holiday church services with you, watch faith-based holiday movies or talk about your faith with them over holiday meals.
If your local community has holiday events, such as festivals or parades, check with your church to see if they want to participate. You might set up a booth at a festival with fun activities as well as faith-based gifts for visitors. If you can find a local holiday parade, organize a float or walking entry with printed Bible passages you can pass out along with candy or other small items. You can grow fellowship with your church family while spreading your faith to the community.
The holidays give you many gift-giving opportunities. Gift exchanges are common among families and friend groups. If you're invited to holiday parties, you might bring a gift for the host. Examples of faith-based gifts include a Bible, prayer journal, home decor with a faith-based message, religious jewelry or mugs with Bible passages on them. Choose a gift that shares your message of faith while offering something the recipient can appreciate.
Assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella offer faith-based communities where you can find others who want to share their faith. Gathering fellow residents to share your faith this holiday season can help you reach even more people.
