Ask, “What are the two times of the year non-Christians tend to think the most about spiritual things?”Most Christians know the answer – Christmas and Easter.
What we overlook is something so simple that we need what Winston Churchill called “the genius to recognize the obvious.” There is one item that has been used for years that should do two things – motivate us to reach non-Christians and help us explain the Gospel to them. That item – Christmas hymns. Let’s look at three of the most common ones sung by Christians and non-Christians alike. Unfortunately, non-Christians often sing the words without realizing their meaning. That is where you and I come in.
Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. Four phrases into that song, what does it say? “God and sinners reconciled.” What an opportunity to say to non-Christians, “Have you ever sung that song?” Do you know what the phrase, “God and sinners reconciled” means? Reconciliation means God has taken those who were His enemies and made it possible for us to be His friends. He did that through the cross. Sin separated us from God. He died as our substitute, taking the punishment we deserved and rose again. Through personal trust in Christ as Savior, the one that song calls the “new born King,” we can live forever with Him. We are His friends instead of His enemies.
Silent Night, Holy Night. Ask many non-Christians if they’ve sung it and they’ll give you the first few lines. They have said to me, “I love that song.” Then ask them have you ever understood the phrase “with the dawn of redeeming grace?” Redeem means “to deliver by the payment of a price.” Grace means “favor we did not deserve.” Christ gave us favor we did not deserve by taking the punishment for our sin and rising again. With the price of our sin paid for, God can give us heaven free. It’s favor we don’t deserve.
Away In A Manger. He came from heaven to earth so we could go from earth to heaven. The last phrase says, “And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.” So here’s the question. What do you have to do to be “fit for heaven?” It’s not what we do; it’s what He’s done. What an opportunity to explain John 19:30, “It is finished.” Finished means “paid in full.” I owed a debt I could not pay. He paid a debt He did not owe. Because he paid my debt in full, through His death and resurrection, I am “fit for heaven” by trusting Christ alone to save me.
Don’t miss your opportunity to use Christmas hymns among non-Christians who are God fearing but not God knowing. Choose any you like and you will find the wording usually gives you an opportunity to do what I just did. The first Christmas, it was the angels who announced,” For there is born to you a Savior.” This Christmas, it’s your turn!
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