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"A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel, which means "God is with us." Matthew 1:23.When our grandkids receive Christmas presents, they get right on with things. While the wrapping sets the mood, it's what's on the inside that matters to them. They're delighted with new toys, clothes, and even trinkets.
During a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service our speaker focused on Immanual, God is with us. He tied the prophecies of 700 years before the birth of Christ to their fulfillment we were celebrating. After the service our Muslim guest, a university student asked "So, if you say that Immanuel means 'God with us' that means Jesus is God?" Wow. She got it. Looking through the lens of this perceptive student, I was reminded of natural opportunities at Christmastime of sharing the Good News more than any other time of the year. While the ambience is important, the heart of the Christmas message is Jesus.
We took our new friends to 'Festival of Lights', a drive around loop that's become popular in some cities. When we got back to our house, we talked about Christmas lights decorating many houses and trees. Why do you think lights are so important? We pointed out that Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World." John 8:12. You see, here was a natural opportunity to share about spiritual darkness and Jesus bringing light and life to situations.
Any other ways we can unwrap Christmas for our Muslim friends? It's probably best to do so in our home or at least in a quiet place. They will have ideas from observations about the meaning of Christmas. It can be delightful to talk about it. Invariably we have to put Santa in perspective. We've had to show some of our friends that Santa is not in the biblical account of the birth of Christ. And no, Jesus didn't wear a Santa outfit! For more ideas, click on the links highlighted in the rest of this post.
Any other ways we can unwrap Christmas for our Muslim friends? It's probably best to do so in our home or at least in a quiet place. They will have ideas from observations about the meaning of Christmas. It can be delightful to talk about it. Invariably we have to put Santa in perspective. We've had to show some of our friends that Santa is not in the biblical account of the birth of Christ. And no, Jesus didn't wear a Santa outfit! For more ideas, click on the links highlighted in the rest of this post.
Joy posted "Redeeming the Christmas Stocking" on her blog in which she illustrates how to use a tradition to unwrap the meaning of Christmas. We know there are other legends like the Candy Cane or traditions that can be used this way. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to explain the rich message of a Christmas carol heard in the mall or media.
We've asked a lead question like "Would you like to hear the Christmas story from the Bible?" as a segue to a spiritual conversation. Most of our friends have actually never read or heard the authentic message from the Injil(NT) related to Christmas. We've found it especially effective to have them read it in their heart language. Giving the Jesus dvd or a link for people's smartphones or tablets can be a tool to clarify the reason for the season. I've often watched the section about the birth of Christ from the Jesus dvd with the boys from All Nations Sports Club and then discussed it. Enjoy unwrapping the message of Christmas with your friends!
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This 'Bethlehem' clip gives the story a modern spin. Enjoy!
