The famous Christmas Carol O Holy Night describes that first Christmas as God arrived in flesh with the words, “The thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices and yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”

For those who are Christians it is easy to resonate with these lyrics – Jesus has arrived and now we have hope and light in a restored relationship with God! It’s amazing!

But what about our neighbours?

How can we, as those who know the love of God, be a part of joining with Him as He breaks into a weary world? Sometimes, amidst the tinsel, preparation and family politics it’s difficult to know where to begin.

Here are 9 of my own tried and tested ways of connecting with those God has placed you amongst this Christmas. Why not pick one to try out this year and see how God might use you in your community?

1. PRAY for your neighbours

It’s obvious, but always worth saying! We pray because we want our neighbours to encounter the love and forgiveness that God has for them. And we pray because we need His Holy Spirit to be working in our own hearts, to make us attentive to the people around us and the places where He is already at work. Are there other Christians who live locally, even from other churches, who could meet to pray for your community?

2. INVITE neighbours to a local carol service - you’d be surprised who says yes!

Whilst it’s true that many of our friends might avoid attending an average Sunday morning service, people still love to belt out a good Christmas carol. It’s a great opportunity to expose our friends to a loving Christian community.

3. HOST a festive celebration in your home

Christmas is a great excuse to get to know neighbours you’ve not met before. Create invitations and either deliver them to your neighbours’ doors or post the invite on your local Whatsapp messaging group, if you have one. (Aside: if you don’t have one, why not see if you can start one?) Have plenty of festive food and drinks ready and enjoy getting to know those God has placed on your doorstep.

4. GATHER neighbours to help with a local community project

People can often be mindful at Christmas of the ways that others in our cities or further afield are in need, so why not galvanise some neighbours around a social action project? It could be joining you in volunteering, giving money or donating items to local foodbanks and charities, or something else you’re passionate about. It’s a great opportunity to not only achieve something good together, but also to build relationships and share what motivates you to help others.

5. BLESS a neighbour with a doorstep gift

It doesn’t have to cost lots of money – it could be a homemade gift or a home-baked goodie. This is especially a fun one to get children involved in if there are little ones in your life! Then knock on their door, deliver the gift and let them know that you are thinking of them in the busyness of Christmas.

6. NOTICE those around you for whom Christmas isn’t the easiest time of the year

There are people for whom all the festivities merely serve as a spotlight for the things they already struggle with, whether it’s grief, loneliness anxiety or more. Why not invite someone for a drink or to go for a walk? Listen to their story and their experience of the Christmas season. Creating space to share is a precious gift for someone feeling the pressure to be having the “best time” at Christmas.

7. Be CURIOUS about those around you

Asking questions is a great way to go deeper with your neighbours and friends. Be genuinely curious about their personal beliefs and spiritual experiences so far. What did Christmas look like for them growing up? What do they think makes Christmas a special time of the year? You could try and take the conversation slightly deeper by asking specific questions about the original Christmas story. Here are some examples of questions you could ask:

The Christmas story is rooted in a historical event – the birth of Jesus. What do you think about who Jesus is?
What do you think God might be like? Have you ever had an experience of God?
At the heart of the Christmas story is an invitation to know God. What do you think a relationship with God might be like? Is it something you would be interested in?
What difference do you think knowing God could make to your life or to the world as a whole?

8. MAKE SPACE to notice and connect with those around you

This can look as simple as resisting the urge to be on your phone or having your headphones in when you’re out and about in the park, the school playground, on your commute to work or in the office. As we deliberately make ourselves available we are more able to notice the people we share daily life with and take steps to say hello and build connections.

9. Finally - BUILD friendships

Each of us is made for community and hard-wired for connection; it’s a part of the way God made us. All of these ideas are stepping stones towards building trust and genuine friendships where we’re able to both display what a life lived with God looks like and extend the invitation to know God for themselves. Perhaps this Christmas you will begin or deepen friendships and share the gospel to those God has purposefully placed around you?

9 Ways to Love Your Neighbours this Christmas