Last week, as I tuned in to the 25th Edition of the Nagaland Hornbill Festival on YouTube, I was deeply moved by Pastor Wabang Longchari and the Lighthouse Church Dimapur, who were singing praises and reaching out to tourists at Kisama Heritage Village. Rather than critiquing the festival, the Lighthouse Church embraced it as a platform to share the Gospel. Their actions reminded me of the old proverb: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” This proactive approach beautifully mirrors the true spirit of Christmas—a season that calls us to reflect on and share the transformative message of Jesus’ birth, the Savior of the world.
Christmas is more than a time of joy and celebration; it invites us to act. Amidst the festivities, it serves as a poignant reminder of our mission to share the hope and salvation His birth represents. While the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is a year-round call, the universal appeal of Christmas offers a unique and timely opportunity to spread the Gospel.
The Biblical Mandate to “Go” and Preach the Gospel
Jesus’ command to “go” and make disciples is central to the Christian faith. The Great Commission reflects the heart of Christ’s mission, compelling believers to share the Good News in every season. At Christmas, this call becomes even more urgent. The angelic proclamation to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11 declared the Savior’s birth as “good news of great joy for all people.” This universal message reminds us that Christmas is not merely a celebration but an opportunity to act on Christ’s mission to reach the lost.
The Example of the Shepherds and the Magi
The shepherds, who were the first to hear the good news, responded immediately. Luke 2:17 records, “When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” Their actions show us that encountering Christ naturally inspires a desire to share Him with others. Similarly, the Magi demonstrated the spirit of “going” in their intentional journey to worship Jesus. Their faith and recognition of His kingship teach us that seeking Christ often requires deliberate effort. Both examples remind us that Christmas is a call not only to rejoice but to act by sharing the Gospel.
The Nagas’ Covenant with God
The Naga people’s covenant to go into the world and preach the Gospel reflects a profound spiritual heritage. Rooted in the transformative impact of Christianity in Nagaland, this commitment arose from gratitude for salvation. Early missionaries like Dr. E.W. Clark and Evangelists like Godhula Brown introduced the Gospel to the Nagas, sparking profound spiritual and social changes. In response, Naga Christians felt called to share this transformative message beyond their borders.
Missionaries were sent to regions such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nepal, and Myanmar. These efforts bore fruit despite challenges such as persecutions, resource limitations, shifting priorities, and societal issues. Yet, the covenant remains alive, with Naga missionaries continuing their work both in India and abroad. Revival movements, theological institutions, and marketplace ministries renew this commitment, urging younger generations to embrace their calling. By revisiting their spiritual heritage, the Nagas can reignite their missionary zeal, echoing the words of Isaiah 6:8: “Here am I. Send me!”
Why Christmas Is a Unique Opportunity for Evangelism
Christmas offers unique openings to share the Gospel that are rarely found at other times of the year:
1. Cultural Relevance: Christmas is globally recognized, even in non-Christian settings. Nativity scenes, carols, and references to Jesus’ birth provide natural entry points for Gospel conversations.
2. Increased Receptiveness: During this season, many are more open to attending church, listening to sermons, or participating in events centered around hope and love. 3. Themes of Hope and Redemption: Christmas resonates with universal human experiences—longing for peace, reconciliation, and hope. These themes align seamlessly with the Gospel message.
Practical Ways to Preach the Gospel During Christmas
Evangelism during Christmas doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple, intentional actions can effectively share the Good News:
1. Hosting Evangelistic Events: Christmas programs, carol nights, and nativity plays can attract both believers and non-believers. Including a brief Gospel message in these gatherings can make a lasting impact.
2. Personal Witness: Sharing your testimony during family gatherings or community events can inspire others to seek Christ.
3. Acts of Service: Serving others—distributing food, visiting the sick, or helping families in need—demonstrates Christ’s love and opens doors for meaningful conversations.
4. Using Technology and Media: Social media posts, blogs, and videos centered on the Christmas story can reach a wide audience. Churches can livestream Christmas services or create engaging online content.
5. Encouraging Family Discipleship: Families can use traditions like reading the nativity story or praying together to teach children and relatives about Jesus.
The Christmas message calls us to think globally. Supporting missionaries, engaging in cross-cultural outreach, and living as witnesses in diverse settings reflect the universal scope of Christ’s mission.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Christmas, let us not only rejoice in Christ’s coming but also act on His command to “go.” Like the shepherds and the Magi, let us share the Good News with joy and purpose, making disciples for Christ. This Christmas, who will you share the Gospel with? May we embrace our role in God’s redemptive plan, seizing the season’s opportunities to proclaim His salvation to the world. In doing so, we honor the true meaning of Christmas and reflect the heart of the Great Commission.
Meyu Changkiri