Susan and I love this time of year. Celebrating Christmas is delightful. The happy attitudes people share, the stories of Christmases past, the excitement of children and grandchildren, the festive clothing, the lights decorating the outside of houses, the anticipation of responses to gifts we give, and the music is the best!
When we think of the meaning of Christmas—God loving us so much that the second Person of the Trinity took on flesh—to live amongst us, to reveal the Father to us (John 14:9), and to give himself as the perfect sacrifice for us, it touches us deeply. We feel so loved.
International students on the semester system finish fall semester exams right before Christmas, and they are ready to kick back and do some celebrating of their own. Students on the quarter system at least get a bit of a break at Christmas. How could your family open your home to let international students experience some of the joy we share this time of year?
One family invites students over to a meal, sings a couple of simple Christmas carols, and then explains the significance of many of the ornaments on the tree—their son’s third Christmas, a sister’s cat ornament (exchanged each year for the last 15 years), an ornament crocheted by the wife’s mother, and so on. Finally, they share about the star on the top of the tree and tell the story of the star that led the wise men to see the foretold savior of the world. They mention that wise men still seek Jesus because he wants a vital dynamic relationship with them.
How could the Lord use your normal traditions at Christmas as a platform for a simple witness? Would it be appropriate to ask the students if they would be interested in a six-week study of what the Bible says about who Jesus is and what he did? (At the end of the six weeks, you can ask if they would like to continue studying other passages.) Consider ISI’s M28 app as a guide.
If you do, please write us and share stories of what you did and the response of the students. We would love to rejoice with you and pray for you!
Principles cited in this blog: Our usual traditions at Christmas can be an opportunity to share the meaning of Christmas with others.
Application for ISI ministry: Christmas is an ideal time to invite students to your home and to use the decorations of Christmas to tell the story of Christ’s birth and ministry on earth.
Next blog topic: Reflecting on God’s great gift to us at Christmas
Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson
When we think of the meaning of Christmas—God loving us so much that the second Person of the Trinity took on flesh—to live amongst us, to reveal the Father to us (John 14:9), and to give himself as the perfect sacrifice for us, it touches us deeply. We feel so loved.
International students on the semester system finish fall semester exams right before Christmas, and they are ready to kick back and do some celebrating of their own. Students on the quarter system at least get a bit of a break at Christmas. How could your family open your home to let international students experience some of the joy we share this time of year?
One family invites students over to a meal, sings a couple of simple Christmas carols, and then explains the significance of many of the ornaments on the tree—their son’s third Christmas, a sister’s cat ornament (exchanged each year for the last 15 years), an ornament crocheted by the wife’s mother, and so on. Finally, they share about the star on the top of the tree and tell the story of the star that led the wise men to see the foretold savior of the world. They mention that wise men still seek Jesus because he wants a vital dynamic relationship with them.
How could the Lord use your normal traditions at Christmas as a platform for a simple witness? Would it be appropriate to ask the students if they would be interested in a six-week study of what the Bible says about who Jesus is and what he did? (At the end of the six weeks, you can ask if they would like to continue studying other passages.) Consider ISI’s M28 app as a guide.
If you do, please write us and share stories of what you did and the response of the students. We would love to rejoice with you and pray for you!
Principles cited in this blog: Our usual traditions at Christmas can be an opportunity to share the meaning of Christmas with others.
Application for ISI ministry: Christmas is an ideal time to invite students to your home and to use the decorations of Christmas to tell the story of Christ’s birth and ministry on earth.
Next blog topic: Reflecting on God’s great gift to us at Christmas
Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson
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