Colossians 4:2-6 – 2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (New Living Translation)

What Does Expressions of God’s Love Look Like?

It is full of ________________________

▸ Grace is a gift that is _____________________

It is seasoned with _______________

▸ Salt ________________________

▸ Salt creates __________________

▸ Salt enhances the _____________________

It bathed in __________________

Colossians 3:12-17 – 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (New Living Translation)

Practical Suggestions for Your Greetings

Personal Greetings

Purposely saying “Merry Christmas” to people you encounter in the stores, at school, in the work place instead of the political correct “Happy Holidays.”

Christmas Cards

Choosing cards with Christian images and symbols are subtle ways to be “seasoning.” If you have already purchased generic-cards make mention of Jesus’ birth or God’s love with your inscription. If you are like many who encloses a letter of the past-year-family-happenings, celebrate something God had done. Maybe enclose a brief testimony describing the difference Jesus’ birth has made in your life.

Caroling Custom

How about dusting off a lost custom called caroling. Gather some friend from the church or (better yet) from your neighborhood and spend an evening sometime strolling down the streets, singing “Joy to the World,” “O, Come All Ye Faithful,” “Away in a Manger,” and others. Don’t forget about those in assisted living homes that would jump for joy if you chose to serenade them.

Outdoor Decorations

Beside the lights you may put up, have you thought about you mailbox? How about creating a fabric covering to wrap around the mailbox to convey the true meaning of a season that keeps the U.S. Postal Service solvent year after year? You not only would be greeting the mail carrier with your silent witness, but also everyone else who passes by.

Home Greetings

Show your visitors you are eager to welcome them. Create a collaborative Christmas mural by hanging a large piece of art paper near your front door. Nearby, place a festive basket filled with art supplies: markers, crayons, colored pencils, paints and brushes. Greet your visitors warmly, then ask them to take part in making your mural. Ask each person to draw or write something that expresses the true flavor of the Christmas season for him or her. And, don’t forget to have the artists sign their masterpieces.