Host A Christmas Gathering This Year
In the fall of 2023, we were still in our rental house—two years longer than expected. I thought it would be a one-year stop after moving to the area, but with rising home prices, it seemed we’d be there a while. Even though we didn’t feel “fully established,” God was prompting our family to reach out to our neighbors.
I had been encouraging others to step out in faith by hosting Christmas Gatherings, and now it was our turn. A Christmas Gathering is an evangelistic opportunity where someone opens their home to friends and neighbors and invites a friend to share a simple Gospel message during a season when people are more open spiritually. Even though it felt risky—especially with neighbors we’d see daily—we prayed for the Spirit’s help and moved forward.
That year, my husband, our two girls (riding in their battery-powered jeeps filled with invitations), and I went door-to-door to 40 homes. We invited neighbors to a Christmas Gathering at our house, letting them know the time, place, and that a friend would share the true meaning of Christmas. Some were hesitant, but most were grateful and even excited.
We met many neighbors for the first time that week. I expected maybe five guests—but God surprised us: 20 came! Most were 55 and older, each bringing an aromatic, homemade dish!
Our friend Joe and his wife Sally came from church—Joe shared a clear Gospel message from the Christmas Gathering Resource Manual. No one was offended; instead, people seemed genuinely moved by both the message and the sense of community.
We passed out comment cards for follow-up. Six indicated they prayed to receive Jesus, and six more wanted a Bible study. I ended up leading a four-week study with six women, the youngest being 66. For one, it was her first time opening a Bible. Those weeks were a sweet and sacred time.
At the end of the gathering, one neighbor who prayed to receive Christ shared that she had moved from Romania 20 years ago—and this was the first time she had ever been invited into someone’s home during the holidays. Her story reminded me that God can use us right where we are. We don’t have to go overseas; the nations are often right next door.
This Christmas, I encourage you to consider hosting a Christmas Gathering in your neighborhood. It’s a simple, powerful way to build community and share the hope of Jesus. Free resources to help you host or speak are available at cru.org/christmasgatherings. May this Christmas be your most meaningful yet!
The heart of Christmas Gatherings is beautifully expressed in 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
