If you’re struggling to plan a Christmas church service, small group meeting, youth session or just activities for family and friends this Christmas, we may have the answer. Finding Family, our new suite of Christmas resources, has something for everyone. Here we give you some ideas about how best to use the different resources available.
Will we be able to spend time with our families this Christmas? That’s the question that’s been dominating the media for the past few weeks. Now we finally have an answer. There will a time-limited change to coronavirus restrictions across the UK so that families can be reunited for Christmas.
Finding Family resources can connect you with your persecuted church family, however you're celebrating this year
In fact, it’s likely that the same rules will apply in every corner of the British Isles, as Northern Ireland is currently discussing a cross-border agreement with Ireland. This is sure to be a welcome relief for many, yet before and after the time-limited break we are likely to face tough restrictions to normal life.
We may not be able to see family and friends as we normally would in the run up to Christmas. But with Finding Family we can certainly join with our persecuted church family, whether we end up worshipping together online or in church, celebrating Jesus' birth in a bubble, or decide to have a go at carolling online.
If you haven’t already discovered the Finding Family resources, I encourage you to take a peek. At its core is a Christmas service sheet which takes you through the Christmas story, with Bible readings and carols, and introduces you to another family in Bangladesh who were rejected by their community, but found a new place to celebrate.
But that’s not all: there is also a small group guide, videos telling the stories of persecuted Christians around the world, family activities, a youth session and a wealth of other resources.
Visit the Finding Family page to access all of the resources mentioned below
It looks like this will be possible, at least for some, even if only your church music group or band can sing. To get the most out of your service:
Online services have become a staple for many churches this year and are likely to continue into December and beyond.
There are five popular carols on the service sheet. If coronavirus restrictions permit, you could try singing carols outdoors in a small group.
Finding Family can be used whether your home group is meeting online or in person.
We have a special Advent Adventure for children and families.
We have lots of things for youth groups to do this Christmas. Head to the Open Doors youth website to:
Hopefully, you now have a few ideas about how to hold a meaningful celebration with friends, family or your church this Christmas. The festive season is likely to be challenging for us, but many of our persecuted brothers and sisters face difficulties at Christmas every year. They still find a way to celebrate and so can we!
However, you choose to mark this special time of year, we hope your Christmas is blessed, peaceful and full of joy.
Lord God, we pray for the safety of all those who will celebrate Jesus’ birth this year. We ask that You would protect them from harm and give them a time of joy and peace. Thank You for the amazing and unchanging truth that You came to earth as a human, while still fully God, to be with us.
Get the full range of Finding Family resources by clicking on the link below. The suite includes a Christmas service sheet, small group guide, Advent Adventure for Children and Families, a youth session, and downloadable videos.
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