Advent begins tomorrow – the season of preparing for Christmas. Whether you’re pulling out the extra chairs to expand your worship space, or shopping for Christmas gifts for family near and far, you are likely preparing to welcome guests and visitors in the weeks to come.
In the church, Christmas worship services are among the most-attended in nearly every congregation each year – not just for regular worshipers, but for folks who are new to the church or are visiting with family. Here at Forward Movement, we know how important the work of welcome is. And we want to help. Here are a few ideas for gifts or giveaways that church leaders and individuals can share with visitors this Christmas.
For families of all ages: “Christmas: It’s A Season” Calendar
Contrary to secular culture, in the Christian tradition, the twelve days of Christmas begin on Christmas day and the season continues through January 6, the Epiphany, when we recall the coming of the Wise Men to honor Jesus’s birth. With this calendar, you can be more intentional about celebrating the full season of Christmas.
Sold in shrink-wrapped packs of 25, these make a perfect giveaway on the way out the door from Christmas Eve worship. Break out the crayons and markers at home to decorate this calendar with the whole family.
For children: The BIG Way of Love for Kids Playing Cards
Jesus loved to be with children, so we are thrilled to offer a new discipleship resource: The BIG Way of Love for Kids. It’s a set of playing cards and activities to help our kids to become the BIG, beloved children of God they were created to be.
Order sets of playing cards in the custom box (or print the free digital coloring sheets). The cards (or sheets) guide children to explore Bible stories, listen, pray, learn, and practice. They can play alone and with friends, church teachers, or family.
These cards are perfect stocking stuffers for a grandchild, godchild, or young friend. They would also be a good addition to a church nursery or children’s chapel. Jesus meets us everywhere where we go, so this resource is easy to take everywhere you go. Because we’re never too old or too young to walk the Way of Love with Jesus.
For adults: Forward Day by Day
Of course, we hope each Christmas visitor takes their encounter with Jesus into the new year. For nearly a century, Forward Movement has provided a tool to reflect and pray in the midst of a busy life: Forward Day by Day. The classic pocket-size version in English or Spanish is about the size of a cell phone, but thinner – easy to slip into a pocket or purse on the way out of church on Christmas.
This festive season may be a good time for your church to start a bulk subscription, or just order a few 10-packs to restock for visitors. For those of you shopping for family or friends, consider a gift subscription in their name. Your loved one will receive four issues of insightful meditations, mailed to their address throughout the year.
The work of welcome – extending a friendly hand to visitors and newcomers – is an essential part of evangelism. Welcoming visitors to your church or home this Christmas can invite them to form a relationship with your community, and perhaps even deepen their relationship with Jesus. We pray that everyone who walks through your doors in this holy season is blessed for the year ahead.
