2016 A bulletin insert or flyer to remind people of why Jesus is the reason for the Season

Because He didn't stay a baby, Christmas flyer — We need to remind people that Christmas is only the start of the Jesus' story of Salvation. CLICK on the picture to download a PDF of this flyer.

I cannot imagine the astonishment, bordering on horror, if Anna and Simeon (read their stories in Luke 2:22-38) who, like many devout Jews had spent their lives anticipating the coming of the Messiah if they could see how we celebrate his birth today and often Jesus.

It isn't only the secular world that is guilty of this.

Think about how your church celebrates Christmas. Many Christmas-related events that churches hold—singing carols, community outreach and gifts, children's programs—might sing some Christmas carols, and refer to Jesus briefly, but how many churches clarify the incredible meaning of God incarnate? Of the centuries of prophecies that foretold his birth? Not only that, but how many churches use this time as an opportunity to let people know that Jesus did not stay a baby, but that he grew up to become Savior of the world and if anyone in the church or visiting would like to know more about that, that the church has information, links, and classes, seeker groups and every imaginable resource to help them do that?

Enough piling on of guilt—here is a handout that you can use to help people realize that Christmas is the not the whole story, but only the beginning of the chapter of God come to earth in the person of Jesus to save people from their sins.

This handout is a start to help you church communicate that extraordinary message, you need to fill out the back with links you share about how to become a Christian and about upcoming activities at your church that designed to help people explore the Christian faith.

This piece doesn't have the whole story

But it is a start and if you offer good resources and follow-up activities, it can make Christmas so much more than a joyful church family gathering, but something about the true reason for the season—the salvation of souls that Jesus came to save. Following is the text for the flyer. You can use it in any way you'd like in whatever print or digital format you'd like.

Because He didn't stay a baby, here is the rest of the story

At Christmas we focus on the baby in the manger, the angels’ praise, and the shepherds’ worship, but there is much more to this story.

The angels’ praise and the shepherds’ worship weren’t solely for a cute baby with a touching back-story about his parent’s struggles that brought them into a barn for their baby’s birth.

The praise and worship were for the fulfillment of centuries of prophetic promises. Though their words were often dimly understood and often misinterpreted, the prophets’ consistent message was that God had not abandoned a world that had turned its back on Him.

The praise and worship were because the temple sacrifices of thousands of innocent lambs would cease now that the redemption they represented had come to earth. Immanuel, “God with us” was no longer a vague promise, but a baby in the manger. The redemption He would purchase with this death on the cross would pay our sin debt in full.

The praise and worship were for what that baby would become: a teacher, healer, and ultimately the Savior of humanity.

The praise and worship were because that baby was living proof that someday, anyone and everyone, no matter what their past, if they accept the salvation the Savior would offer, could walk with God in peace, full of joy, and forever.

Our church is here to share that story in all its fullness, to answer your questions, and to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus.

We’d consider it a privilege to share it with you and on the back of this piece are opportunities to explore the Christian faith and to interact with us.

A PDF of the handout at the top of the page is free for everyone, CLICK HERE or on the image to download it. A set of PDFs along with editable MS Publisher files is available to Effective Church Communications Members in a ZIP file below the images. You won't be able to see the link if you aren't an ECC Member. For information and how to join, CLICK HERE.