Perhaps you, like me, have noticed that many people are more willing to come to church at Christmastime than at any other time. Sometimes it’s because they will come to see a friend or family member acting or singing in a Christmas program. Sometimes it’s because they feel they should at least go to church for Christmas. Sometimes it’s because their heart is more tender to Christ in this season when we celebrate His birth.

Whatever the reason, I’m thankful they come and have the opportunity to hear the gospel. And I see three takeaways from this observation:

1. As a pastor, I schedule extra programs around Christmastime, and I make sure that a clear gospel presentation and invitation to trust Christ is included in every one of them.

Some churches start cancelling services around Christmas, assuming people need the time with their family. We capitalize on the fertile season for soulwinning. Our key Christmas outreach service is our annual musical. We also have a Christmas Eve Candlelight service as well as various children, teen, and college presentations. I thank the Lord for the many people we see saved every year at Christmastime.

2. As a soulwinner, I want to be especially faithful during this season. Even though I know that I will give the gospel in church, there are those who will not come—unless they are saved first. I want to take every opportunity I can to share the reason for Christ’s birth and His offer of salvation.

3. As a Christian, I want to take advantage of this season to invite anyone that I have a relationship with to the Christmas services at church. This may be a neighbor, those in the community with whom I’ve done business—anyone and everyone I can. For you, it may mean an unsaved friend, family member, or co-worker. Don’t let this season pass without inviting those you love to hear the gospel at your church or without personally sharing with them what Jesus’ birth (and then death and resurrection) has meant in your life.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.—Luke 2:17