Holidays

A Christmas Gathering

Introduction

Christmas coffees hosted in homes can be a remarkable evangelistic tool. The gathering features refreshments, spontaneous sharing of Christmas traditions, and a short, non-threatening inspirational message on the meaning of Christmas. The devotion includes a brief presentation of the gospel and an opportunity for guests to invite Christ into their lives. These seasonal gatherings are proving to be an effective bridge to reaching communities for Christ.

Not only do the coffees bring exciting decisions for Christ, but they also foster incomparable growth opportunities for Christian women willing to volunteer to either host or give the devotional message.

As a Women's Ministries leader, prayerfully consider several hostesses in your church who will open their homes for this evangelistic outreach. Begin planning in September and October.

Purpose

To share the Christ of Christmas with neighbors in a non-threatening manner and help fulfill the Great Commission; to invite neighbors into a warm and relaxed atmosphere; to get acquainted with neighbors.

Scripture

Matthew 28:18-20

Songs/Choruses

One or two Christmas carols

Preparations

Pray for your guests and the speaker.
Invite a friend to speak.
Choose a date for the Christmas gathering. Most coffees are held the first two weeks of December.
Send invitations. Include the date, time, place, and your phone number. Also indicate clearly that a friend will be sharing some inspiring thoughts about Christmas. Use a printed or hand-written invitation, and an RSVP to get an idea of the number of people to expect.
Prepare menu and name tags.

Decorations

Decorate your home for the holidays. Your Christmas coffee can be as formal or as informal as your neighborhood. You may use paper Christmas plates or fine china. Whatever you choose, attempt to make your neighbors feel comfortable.

Suggested Menu

Plan your menu according to the type of gathering you want. It could be a morning or afternoon coffee with fancy Christmas cookies and goodies, or a brunch, a noon luncheon, an evening dessert, etc. Make preparations ahead of time to relieve last-minute pressure.

Suggested Time Schedule

Coffees should be held the first 2 weeks of December. The later the gathering is held, the busier people become.

The gatherings should last approximately 2 hours. A suggested schedule for a morning coffee from 9 to 11 a.m. would be:

9:00-9:30 Serve refreshments
9:30-10:00 Sharing time with neighbors
10:00-10:45 Speaker and comment cards
10:45-11:00 Serve more refreshments

Getting Acquainted

Serve refreshments and ask the guests to share some of their Christmas traditions. (Foods prepared every Christmas, family customs, special family traditions, etc.) Allow about 30 minutes for this time of sharing.

Feature

Following the sharing time, introduce your friend, who will share short, non-threatening, inspirational thoughts on the meaning of Christmas. The devotional will include a brief presentation of the gospel and an opportunity for guests to invite Christ into their lives.

Here are testimonies from women who have given Christmas coffees in their homes, or have spoken for such a gathering. "Some of my neighbors had lived on the street for years and didn't know each other. I asked each woman to share a favorite Christmas tradition. They enjoyed sharing so much … (and) were so grateful for the chance to get together in my home and focus on the real meaning of Christmas."

"This past Christmas a neighbor decided to open her home for a Christmas gathering. She and another hostess invited me to be the speaker. As I shared the gospel, I asked the guests to respond on comment cards. Later the three of us wept and rejoiced before the Lord when 12 of the 17 women indicated an interest in studying God's Word together."

"When I speak at a Christmas gathering I feel as though I'm stepping off a cliff with certain death only moments away. But I have decided that I want to be faithful more than I want to be comfortable. I have found that it's when I step off the 'cliff' that I taste the sweetness of being absolutely, totally dependent on the Holy Spirit."

Conclusion

The speaker should lead the group in a closing prayer of invitation. Ask for those who wish to receive Christ to pray silently as the speaker prays aloud. This is very important. Following the prayer distribute comment cards and pencils explaining, "Could we ask for your help? It would encourage us to know how you felt about being in (hostess's) home this morning. This is your opportunity to respond to our being together, and specifically to what I've shared with you. You may wish to put your name on this card, though it is not necessary. If this morning you have opened your heart to Jesus Christ, will you communicate that to us? Also if you have any questions about what I have shared or would like me to contact you, please be sure to include your phone number."

The speaker continues, "I will place this basket on the coffee table for you to return your folded cards to me. I know (hostess) would like us to help ourselves to more refreshments. Thank you (hostess) for inviting us into your home." (The use of comment cards is essential in fulfilling the purpose of the Christmas coffee and for follow-up).