People are more open to reading the Bible than ever, says Simon Lennox. This Christmas, lets take the opportunity to introduce them to the greatest story ever told - and the only one that brings real joy, peace and hope to our broken world
When I wandered into my local department store at the weekend, I was immediately struck by the gifts and gimmicks galore of Christmas. It was as if the festive season had been in hibernation but was now suddenly awake. Yet as I scoured the wonderfully technicolour shelves, I realised that there was very little that connected with the Christmas story.
You can adorn your tree with a sardine decoration, or the Grogu figurine from Star Wars, but it’s harder to find an angel or the wise men. It led me to think: What do we miss out on if we lose the real meaning of Christmas? And how, in this time of openness to Christian faith, can we reclaim it?
One of my favourite hymns, ‘O Holy Night’, contains these lines: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining / ’Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth / A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices / For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn / And in his name all oppression shall cease”.
The Christmas story speaks more hope to our modern world than any TV advert
A thrill of hope. The weary world rejoices. These words, written nearly two centuries ago, could have been written today. 2025 has not been short of crises - war and devastation have dominated the headlines. But the last time I checked, there is no story that comes close to the wonder of Christmas in the original Bible accounts: Emmanuel, God with us.
Hidden beneath the festivities, Christmas can often be a time of anxiety, tension and grief. The empty seat at the table reinforces the pain of a loved one lost. Financial worries loom large. Family tensions inevitably arise. The Christmas ads, tugging expertly at the heartstrings, tell us that, even if we are in despair, Christmas, our way, is the answer. Yet in reality, Christmas can sometimes amplify these struggles, not solve them.
Speak Jesus
The truth is that the true Christmas story, captured in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, speaks more life and hope to our modern world than any TV advert, family gathering or table of fine food.
The saviour of the world was not afforded the luxuries we associate with Christmas. He was born in a stable, to a teenage mother, visited by shepherds and wise men alike. It was anything but glamorous. But it was glorious.
He came to be the light of the world, to bring us out of the darkness. He came to deal, once and for all, with the sin that separates us from a holy God and ensnares our lives. He came to be the resurrection and the life.
When I think of the Christmas story, I am filled with hope. I’m reminded that there is purpose for this life, and an eternal future where there will be no more mourning or crying or pain. What a privilege we have this Christmas to share that message of hope with anyone seeking true rest and joy in a world that so often disappoints us.
Read scripture
This year, there has been great encouragement in seeing a growing openness to church, the Bible and Jesus. I’m praying that this will translate into people walking into church - perhaps for the very first time - this Christmas.
May we be ready to receive them and introduce them to the only God of peace and joy. Let’s boldly proclaim that there is hope to be found in the nativity story of old, that those first eyewitness accounts are not just familiar stories to hear, but living words that bring true life.
What a privilege we have to share that message of hope with anyone seeking true rest and joy in a world that so often disappoints us
I’ve been inspired by a church in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, which offers newcomers the chance to read a bit of the Bible together. The reaction? It is often a surprise that Christians would give them the gift of time and relationship. Now church members are reading with 25 people who want to know more about Jesus!
So, alongside the Christmas services and events that fill our calendars, I’m also challenging myself to open the Bible with someone who is curious about its content. There is real power in inviting a friend, family member, or colleague to read the words of the Gospels for themselves. After all, wouldn’t this be the best gift we can offer another person this Christmas?
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