How can we best share Jesus this season?

I’ve had the great opportunity to chat with two Christian apologists on the historical Jesus (one with Sean McDowell, and the other with Logan Gates). Both of these conversations took place around Christmas, so it only made sense that I ask them how we can best engage non-Christians with the gospel in this season.

Together with their thoughts, I’ve put together 3 simple ways that we, as Christians, can best engage our non-Christian friends and family members this Christmas. These aren’t “ground-breaking” suggestions, but more of reminders:

1) Ask good questions

You don’t need to be a “professional” to do this. It’s as simple as asking, “What are your thoughts on Jesus?” “How did you find the Christmas Eve service?” “Do you believe that the Christmas story is true?” “How does your family celebrate Christmas? Has it always been that way?” “Have you ever thought about what so many Christmas carols are about?” Be confident in your questions. Not only is the Spirit of God in you, but talking and asking about Jesus during Christmas is, for the most part, culturally expected.

2) Pray that God would reveal Himself

If He revealed Himself through a baby human (which He did), He can definitely reveal Himself by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God (which He does). Jesus makes it clear that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he or she is born again (John 3:3). Like asking simple questions, you can pray simple prayers. Pray this: “Father, in the same way that Your Son was born 2,000 years ago, bringing light to the darkness, may many sons and daughters be born of the spirit this Christmas. I pray that salvation comes specifically to (insert name(s)).”

3) Spend time intentionally growing in awe of Jesus

People can tell when an idea is either simply in one’s mind, or in one’s mind and heart. A Christian should be one who believes the truths of Christianity in the mind, and also feels them in the heart. Of course, “feelings” and “experiences” are very subjective. I don’t think it’s smart or healthy to suggest that there are objective “feelings” a Christian must experience to approve them as “Christians.” On the other hand, a Christian should be striving for experiencing true joy in God. Maybe that expresses itself as an unusual confidence, a strange solidity in heart, or “warm fuzzies.” Whatever the case may be, spend time intentionally growing in your awe of and love for Jesus. Imagine that your non-Christian friends and family members have said, “So you believe in that God stuff? Prove it. Show me that it’s changed your life.”

I think you’d agree with me that these suggestions aren’t hard to understand. The difficulty comes with applying them. I get it. Asking questions about God to unbelievers can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re a people-pleaser. Setting aside time to pray, especially in the midst of a busy season, can be hard and seemingly unproductive. Spending time in the Word, intentionally devoting your heart and mind to Jesus is also hard, as that’s more time that’s, again, seemingly ineffective.

But push through. Imagine seeing your non-Christian friend or family member coming to Jesus, and let that hope help encourage you.

Be bold.

Ask good questions.

Pray for them (because it’s all in God’s hands).

Grow in your love for Jesus.