Christmas is a wonderful season to share Christ’s message in a meaningful way. People’s hearts are unusually open and warm to spiritual thoughts and to being together.
A Christmas Gathering is a gathering of friends or neighbors in an individual’s home. The party features delicious holiday food, some spontaneous sharing of Christmas traditions, a brief, non-threatening talk on the meaning of Christmas, and an opportunity to receive Christ.
Since I first spoke at a party in 1981, these gatherings have brought exciting changes in people’s lives through a relationship with Jesus Christ. They also foster incomparable growth opportunities for Christians who want to reach out and share their faith with others.
There are many benefits to hosting an evangelistic holiday celebration:
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Prepare
God does not care as much about our ability as our availability. Allow Him to work in your heart as you consider preparations for a gathering in your home.
“The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24
Responsibilities of host/hostess
Before planning your gathering, prayerfully consider the group you would like to reach. Select an appropriate day and time for this group. Some good times may be weekday evenings, Saturday mornings, or Sunday afternoons. Although most gatherings are for neighbors (women or couples), you could also invite co-workers, clubs, sports groups, mothers and daughters, extended families, baby-sitting co-ops, or teens.
Your party can be as formal or as informal as your neighborhood or workplace. You may use holiday paper plates or your best china and silver! Use your home or apartment, or in some cases, a party room might be more satisfactory.
Selecting a speaker for your gathering is an important part of your plans. Here are some things to keep in mind:
The number of guests you invite will vary. As a general rule, invite three times the number of people you desire to attend. Begin with a minimum of thirty invitations; it is best to have at least eight to ten guests at a party, although many gatherings include more guests. You may wish to include a close Christian friend or relative to help you in the serving of food so that you are able to focus on your guests. Include the date, time (beginning and ending), your name, place and phone number where you can be reached on your invitations. Indicate clearly that a friend will be sharing some inspiring thoughts about Christmas.
Plan your menu according to the type of gathering you desire for your guests. Foods can range from simple Christmas cookies or dessert to a brunch or a nice dinner. Decorate your home cheerfully for the holidays–you may want to borrow decorations from friends–and arrange your room so people can best view the speaker, have easy conversation, and enter or leave with little distraction.
“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Your party
Sample time schedule
Welcome Your Speaker
Guiding the Sharing Time
“One of the things I find enjoyable and interesting is learning about other people’s Christmas traditions. Why don’t we take a few moments to share some of our traditions with one another, such as foods you eat, customs, special things you do in your family, or perhaps you would like to share your Christmas plans this year. In order to give you a moment or two to think of what you might share, I’ll share first.” (Caution: Please select a nonreligious tradition.)
“This has been such fun hearing your various traditions. I feel we have just started. Maybe we can share more of them a little later.”
“Christmas is such a special time of year, isn’t it? I wanted to add to the specialness of my Christmas this year by having you in my home. I hope being together is equally enjoyable for you. As I said on my invitation, a friend of mine will be sharing with us today. I don’t know about you, but it is easy for me to get caught up in a whirlwind of activities at Christmas time and not take the time to really remember it’s significance, I am eager to hear what speaker will share with us.”
Closing Your Party
“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.” – Acts 20:24
Follow up
Use the comment cards the speaker has provided to determined what kind of follow-up is needed. Following the party, the speaker and host can pray together and discuss what the Lord would have them do (individually or together). If there are a few people interested in a Bible study, plan a four to six week study to begin in January.
There are generally three types of responses. After determining the nature of the response, pray about your next step. The following are suggestions you could consider.
1. Spiritual Response: (response to message and prayer)
2. Social response: (response to you and being in your home)
3. No response/ Negative response:
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Jesus Christ, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5
Check list
Through Christmas Gatherings, hundreds have indicated that they have received Jesus Christ, and numerous follow-up Bible studies have been started. Many Christians have been excited by the ease of sharing the gospel with friends and neighbours in such an informal atmosphere.
It is my hope and prayer that this information will be used to encourage and equip you to help reach your world with His powerful gospel. May you experience, as I have, God’s enabling power and delight.
