Twinkling lights, holiday parties, endless gift shopping — the holidays can be so busy that it's easy to forget the true reason for the season. Sharing Jesus during the Christmas season can help remind yourself and others about the true meaning of the holiday. It might seem more challenging to share your love of Jesus actively if you live in an assisted living community, but you can make a positive impact no matter where you live. Here are some ideas to help you share Jesus this holiday season.
If you're not sure how to bring Jesus into the conversation, using religious symbols in your holiday decorating can share your message without you saying anything. Here are some ideas you can use in any type of home:
Incorporate these decorations throughout your home so visitors see them and are reminded of Jesus.
Living like Jesus is a powerful way to share him with others who might not be as familiar with him as you are. One way to do that is to organize a holiday service project that can help others in your community. To incorporate a holiday theme, you might adopt a family for the holidays. Provide things they need, like a holiday meal, new clothes and pantry staples along with some fun gifts for the family. You might also collect donations for the family if they need help catching up with their bills. Getting others involved in the project can magnify your message.
Radio stations play a variety of Christmas tunes, many of which focus on Santa, reindeer and snowmen. Focus your playlist on religious holiday songs that talk about Jesus. You can play music quietly in the background when you have guests at your home. This helps keep the focus of the holiday on its true meaning.
Many symbols of Christmas that seem secular can have a religious meaning, but not a lot of people know them. Sharing those stories can help remind people why they celebrate.
For example, evergreen trees represent eternal life, while red symbolizes blood, making those popular holiday colors more meaningful. The shape of a candy cane represents a shepherd's crook, and it also makes a J shape when turned upside down, which can be a reminder of Jesus. The white color is said to represent purity, while the red represents the blood shed on the cross. Round Christmas wreaths symbolize endless love.
You can find all sorts of candy-filled Advent calendars at the store, but setting aside time to reflect is a more meaningful way to celebrate Advent. An Advent wreath and candles create a centerpiece for your daily celebration. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes with your family or invite neighbors over each night to celebrate. You can also find Advent devotionals, which you can share together while lighting the candles. This daily activity helps you slow down during the busy holiday and share Jesus with others.
Taking a more active role in special church events during the holiday season can also help you share Jesus with others. Many people only go to church around major religious holidays. Being present and volunteering at those services gives you a chance to connect with those people and share your story. Those connections could encourage visitors to become regulars at your church or at least make them think more about their faith.
A subtle way to share about Jesus is by including Bible verses along with holiday items. You might write a meaningful verse in each Christmas card you mail. Creating custom gift tags with religious symbols and Bible verses adds a special touch to the gifts you give.
No matter where you live, you'll have neighbors with whom you can share Jesus. Put together a small gift for your neighbors, such as holiday treats or a small religious gift. Include a card with a special Bible verse or a message about what Jesus means to you. You can also talk to your neighbors about Jesus and Christmas when you deliver the gifts. Inviting them to attend church events with you at the same time can also help you share your faith.
Writing a Christmas letter to recap your year is a good way to stay in touch with loved ones and friends. It's also a good way to incorporate your faith into the correspondence. You might share what Christmas means to you or ways Jesus is important in your life. You can also include some suggestions for the recipients to share the story and love of Jesus to keep the sentiment going.
