And suddenly it’s here! We have arrived at the season of Advent, and Christmas is just over four weeks away. If you are anything like me, you are left wondering where the year went. But as Advent commences with the last Sunday of November 2022, it seems appropriate to use this occasion to focus on being prepared for Christmas.
Not every church celebrates Advent or follows a church calendar. The church in which I grew up, never mentioned it, as far as I can recollect. Neither did it have the high profile that the secular world now gives it. There was no long run up to Christmas starting in September. However, there was a sense of anticipation in our home fuelled by the arrival of a parcel from a wealthier aunt and uncle who sent us presents at Christmas. Not long after this the home-made decorations would begin to go up.
In the church where I am now a member, having retired from pastoral ministry, the Advent wreath will have been located together with the set of five candles left from last year (though I might be surprised by some new ones). In many churches the first two weeks of Advent follow Bible passages that focus on the prophecies about the coming Messiah, and the last two weeks more on the New Testament accounts of the birth of John the Baptist and the visit of the angel Gabriel to Mary and the night vision given to Joseph.
For many there will still be much to do purchasing presents, writing Christmas cards, and planning Christmas meals. There is so much to do that the opportunity to be still and reflect throughout Advent usually gets missed. But that, of course, was the primary reason for the season. We are supposed to use this time to prepare ourselves spiritually for the moment when we celebrate the arrival of the most fantastic of gifts.
How do you plan to spend Advent? Will you take time to focus on the traditional four themes of hope, love, joy and peace? In the busy time ahead will you be able to create some extra space for God? And at your church - is it going to be the same old round of carols and readings, or could you actually plan to use this time as an opportunity for mission. After all, the birth of Jesus was all about mission and evangelism. In many churches, and especially those in rural areas, Christmas brings a larger than usual attendance, and the opportunity to tell out the reason for the season.
Staying with the topic of preparing, here are a few things you might do at your church by preparing to use Christmas as a mission opportunity.
Hopefully you will ensure that all your seats or pews are clean and ready for your extra visitors. But do you take some time to look at that table where you keep various news sheets, magazines, etc. Far too often I find tired and damp items cluttering the table surface in churches. Throw the old items away and replace them with attractive and well-designed free literature that you can give away to your visitors. Make sure these are mentioned, and an example held up in the services. Some people might be surprised if they find your church gives things away and does not take up a collection (I do hope that the offering plate or bags are a thing of the past).
Another good idea is to prepare some gift packs. These could be as simple as a C5 size envelope with a Christmas greeting written or stuck on the front. Inside you could include a letter from the vicar, pastor, or the church as a whole, expressing your joy at seeing them, and reminding them that your church exists to serve the community. You could have a card listing all your regular activities, and the contact details of any leaders of those activities. If your church is providing a ‘warm space’ those details should be included. Don’t forget to mention other churches in your area and any special events they host.
Why not include some cards printed for anyone who might like to “Find Out More”? These should include the website address ‘Christianity.org.uk’ which is a great resource for people who would like to know more about the Christian faith. You can use this with confidence. Or you might like to advertise an Alpha Course you plan to run.
Whatever you include, please ensure that the envelope or pack looks attractive inside and outside. They could be given away as people leave. If you are offering coffee and mince pies, the smell of coffee brewing is a great way of emphasising your generosity. The same goes if you are offering mulled wine. Please do not charge for refreshments. If voluntary donations are appreciated, why not link this to your local food bank. Show you care.
Make your Christmas church experience one that will stand out in the minds of those who only come once or twice a year - and stands out for all the right reasons. The gospel is about generosity.
My final suggestion is that you check on the language you plan to use. For most ordinary people, coming to church is an alien experience where people do not dress normally, nor behave normally, nor talk normally. So please do your best to be normal! Do not obscure the message with church culture.
St, that’s it! My tips for putting the purpose of Christmas into the heart of all you plan to do. But on a personal level, why not use this Advent season as a time to pray for at least three not-yet-Christians you know well. Pray that this will be a time when they will open their hearts to welcome in the real Jesus as their personal Saviour.
Have a blessed advent.
Barry Osborne 26/11/2022
No comments:
Post a Comment