In the book of Matthew, the last recorded words of our Lord are what we know as the Great Commission. They begin, “Therefore, go and make disciples…”
Our Lord’s last words before ascending into heaven are recorded in Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus assigned us an important responsibility: make disciples. He charged us: be my witnesses. His geographic strategy is to begin right where we live—here in our own Jerusalem.
If we take this commission—this holy privilege and sacred responsibility—seriously, then what better time to begin than Christmas? Even the hardest of hearts seem soft (and the coldest of personalities, warm) during this season of sacred celebration.
There’s something about hearing Christmas carols, seeing sparkling lights, beholding decorated trees, and smelling the fragrance of pine that awakens our longing for peace and purpose. Let’s seize the opportunity to point others in the direction of the Prince of Peace who brought purpose to our lives.
Here are ten ideas for Making Christmas Missional this year:
- Snacks & Water Bottles for the Delivery Guys/Gals
Do you see them running from the truck to your house? Our online shopping makes life easier for us, but much more chaotic for them. Consider leaving a tub of water bottles, Little Debbie snacks, Peanut Butter Crackers, etc., with a sign that says:
We’ve created ready-made sign for you—see the bottom of the page for the download link. Just print it on card stock and tape to your bucket of goodies. - Christmas greetings to an elected official.
Most elected officials only hear from their constituents when there’s a problem. What a surprise for them to receive your Christmas greetings—especially if you add a note you are praying for him or her. (For some specific ideas about praying for our elected officials, check out our post from the 2018 National Day of Prayer). - Coaches, Music Teachers, the Local Librarian, etc.
Just a little gift can communicate so much. Our Nine-Bean Soup Mix might be a nice contrast to all the sweets often received at Christmas. It will be more affordable—and fun—to mix your own, while also providing an opportunity for your children to be invested in the gift they give. For details on this mix (or other gifts to make and take), check out my Top Ten ideas for homemade Christmas gifts. - Praying for Missionaries
It is good for us to pray for those who have devoted their lives to fulfilling the Great Commission. At Christmastime, their service seems all the more sacrificial as we consider the many things they have willingly chosen to leave behind: the traditions they will miss, celebrations with extended family they will not be able to attend, the tastes and treats of the season they will forgo. David Platt, the president of International Mission Board, has shared some excellent ways to pray for missionaries. - Neighborhood Brunch
Thanks to ever-busier lives, garage door openers, and air conditioning, we often don’t even know our neighbors’ names—much less have a relationship with them. Christmas can be just the time to change all that! Invite the ladies in your neighborhood for a Saturday morning brunch (or Saturday afternoon dessert). Encourage each of them to share a Christmas memory or favorite tradition from their growing-up years, then share yours, with a focus on Jesus. - Birthday Party for Jesus
Invite your children’s friends, soccer teammates, and/or neighborhood kids for a birthday party. Encourage each to bring a gift for a child their age. Play party games, sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, and be sure to serve cake and ice cream. Read Luke 2 or a storybook about the birth of Christ, then donate all the gifts to a local charity that ministers to needy families at Christmas. - Nursing Home Christmas Caroling
Invite the Sunday school class, home school co-op, or your small group to join your family to go Christmas caroling at the nursing home. (Schedule a time in advance with the facility’s social services director.) Encourage the children to write out a favorite Bible verse on one of our sponsor’s free Christmas-themed handwriting Border Sheets, color the festive illustrations, and take along to distribute. You might even meet up afterwards for hot chocolate and popcorn. - Baby’s First Christmas
There’s something about having a new baby that makes a couple tender and open to the gospel. Seize the opportunity of celebrating baby’s first Christmas to deliver a nativity-themed picture book, plate of cookies, and an invite to your church’s Christmas program or your ladies’ Bible study. - Remember those Mourning
Christmas is a joyous celebration for most of us, but for those who have lost loved ones during the year, this can be a sad time. Send a card letting them know you are praying for them—or better yet, drop by with a poinsettia and a hug. - Host an International Student
Eastern cultures are known for their hospitality, so it’s all the more shameful when we westerners learn that students come here to study for four years and are rarely invited into an American home. With thousands of international scholars coming to America, we need not get a passport to do mission work with other cultures! Invite a student (or two) to your home for dinner, a Christmas movie, or take them along Christmas caroling or just to see the lights on your town square. It can be the beginning of a friendship that leads to sharing the gospel.
As people are focused on giving to others this season, perhaps they are also more open to consider their own greatest need. And what we all need, of course, is a Savior. In our heart of hearts we know we are not—and can never be—enough. And that’s the message of Christmas. It’s why He came; from His birth on Christmas morning, every day of Jesus’ life was one more step toward Easter. He is the greatest gift, and it was all motivated by love.
Christ loved us enough to die for us. Someone probably comes to your mind, who needs to know that. Christmas may be a time to begin pouring water on the soil of a hard heart, preparing the parched dirt so that person is ready to receive the seed of the gospel in His perfect time.
Let’s seize the season, and make the most of the opportunity presented by tender hearts and minds that are open to receiving Him!
Download our printable
Making Christmas Missional: Thank-You for Delivery Workers
to place on your porch with snacks
for UPS, USPS & FedEx delivery drivers!
