Carols and candy canes: alternative Christmas mission ideas

With no Christmas parties, no dinners with friends and maybe even no carol service, it may be tempting to just skip Christmas this year. But now more than ever, our friends need hope.

Rather than a vaccine, rules or government, they need hope in something certain – and that’s what we have to offer. We need to share that Jesus entered our broken world to meet us in our desperate need and reconcile us with God.

By skipping Christmas, we’ll miss opportunities to do this, robbing friends of the chance to respond to our wonderful Saviour. So, in the words of Spike from ‘Christmas with the Kranks’ - “You're skipping Christmas! Isn't that against the law?”

And that’s not the only Christmas movie with helpful advice for our CU mission this year. Here are some practical ideas inspired by some holiday favourites…

Elf - 'The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear'

Instantly recognisable carols are ideal for getting people in the Christmas spirit, and their lyrics contain wonderful truths.

• Carol singing on campus – could a few members of the CU get together to sing, within guidelines?
• ‘Call-a-Carol’ events – why not send around singers to people’s doors in response to people’s requests! It may feel silly, but it is sure to create a buzz around campus.
• A ‘Call-a-Candy-Cane’ evening – a perfect way to spread Christmas cheer could be by distributing candy canes (one of the four main elf food groups). Why not bless your campus by inviting people to ask a question about Christianity, and in return give away parcels of goodies along with an invite to a CU event?

(And if restrictions allow, invite your friends to join you in a search of the world’s best coffee).

Deck the Halls - What would Christmas be without some friendly competition?

• Host a Christmas games night either as a flat, or online – charades, the post-it game, Articulate, whatever the game, challenge your friends and have seasonally themed prizes.
• Run festive challenges, like building and decorating the best gingerbread house. If your baking skills are up to the test, could you share the nativity story through gingerbread?

It’s a Wonderful Life - 'No man is a failure who has friends'

It has been a tough year, and it’s likely to be a tough Christmas for a lot of students. Reach out to your pals and flatmates who are struggling and show them that you care about them this Christmas.

• Could you cook a Christmas dinner, buy a tree together and organise a secret-santa?
• If you want to go all out, you could even make them an advent calendar, giving them something they can look forward to each day.
• Spend time with your flatmates and ask if they would like to read Uncover Mark with you this Christmas.
• Or just try to meet with them, listen to them and point them towards the love filled gospel of Jesus Christ.

It may be different in 2020, but if your friends hear and respond to the gospel this Christmas, it will without a doubt be most wonderful time of the year.

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals.

This blog was written by Alex Hanna. Alex is in his second year as a Staff Worker in Aberdeen. He enjoys watching Die Hard with a Baileys hot chocolate to get him into the Christmas spirit, as well as winter walks with pals.

Can you send a CU a virtual Christmas card? This will be a real encouragement to them. See more here.