Christmas everywhere all the time

Would you like more Christmas or less?

Some countries religiously celebrate it, some have ruthlessly monetized it, and others happily ignore it. In fact, the question may not be easy to answer because the word “Christmas” has become so broadly used, evoking various associations.

Would you want Christmas music and lights and trees and food everywhere all the time? Probably not.

But at this time of year, as we variously celebrate “Christmas”, one element of the Christmas story is surely worth wanting everywhere all the time: the sharing of good news.

In Luke’s Gospel we’re told that the angel of the Lord proclaims good news of a Saviour’s birth to the shepherds (2:10-12). The shepherds verify the event and go and “spread the word” (2:17). Then, in the temple courts, the “righteous and devout” Simeon announces in his public prayer “a light for revelation to the Gentiles” (2:29-32), and the prophet Anna explains more to those gathered (2:38).

Similarly, over the last year – in all kinds of places and in various ways – students in IFES movements have been proclaiming, announcing, explaining, and spreading the word. In this Conexión blog, we’ll tell you how.

As you read, take heart that Christ’s coming has been spoken of “everywhere all the time” (below are just a few examples). May these snapshots of evangelism inspire you and your spiritual community to keep spreading the word in 2025.

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS?

Here’s an idea: after reading through, you could go back and re-read one story each day, pausing to pray for those mentioned and then considering how you might apply a similar idea in your student group, ministry, or church in the coming year.

1. CONVERSING AT THE LUNCH BAR – TARKWA, GHANA ( EPSA )

How can you reach a whole campus?

Each year, students in various IFES movements organise high-profile, week-long series of events and talks at their universities.

In the last week of June, GHAFES Ghana partnered with several other local ministries and IFES Europe for “a focused, intentional, creative, and intensive period of public evangelism” at the University of Mines and Technology in Tarkwa.

One component involved daily “Lunch Bars”, whereby students received food and listened to a talk, followed by a Q&A and gospel invitation. Topics included “The Gospel: Fabricated or Eyewitness Accounts?” and “Christianity: A White Man’s Religion?”.

After one Lunch Bar, Michael wanted to know more. It turned out he’d lost his trust in the Christian faith.

But after further conversation, he acknowledged: “I can see there are answers in the Bible. You have been showing me answers from the Bible!”.

Some days later, when the team followed up with Michael, he shared his good news: “I have decided to follow Jesus”.

2. ASKING A CURIOUS QUESTION – MANAGUA, NICARAGUA ( LATIN AMERICA )

How can you get people thinking?

Try asking them this:

“If you found a door in the middle of nowhere, where would you like it to lead you?”

With this imaginative question, a CECNIC Nicaragua group carried out “first-contact” evangelism at the Polytechnic University (UNP) in Managua.

They asked people to write their answers, engaged in conversation, and told them all about a man who once said, “I am the door”.

“We shared that every time we go to him, he offers us love, peace, wisdom, and countless promises in our lives.”

3. PUZZLING OVER THE GOSPEL – SOFIA, BULGARIA ( EUROPE )

How can you tell the good news story in a culturally engaging way?

Earlier this year, we shared how IFES InterAction staff Silas Walter created an Easter Escape Room:

“Five students are locked in a kitchen. To get out, they must solve a riddle. They can see remnants of a dinner party – the table is cluttered with half-drunk glasses of wine and leftovers of bread. But who were the guests? What happened? And why has no-one returned to clear up?” (read more)

This month, BCSU Bulgaria will again use escape room puzzles to introduce the Christmas story. Silas explains:

“The idea is to figure out what happened in Bethlehem from the perspective of the wise men. The discussion afterwards will conclude with the question: If God really became human, what would it mean for us?”

4. CAMPING WITH FUN AND FAITH – DILIJAN, ARMENIA ( EURASIA )

How can you create a space for unhurried consideration of the gospel?

Weekends away or week-long camps are a key opportunity for ministry in many IFES movements – not only for believers but also for seeking students. It provides a place for them to experience Christ’s community and his call.

In August, Crossroads (Armenia) took 50+ high school, college, and university students away to the beautiful setting of Dilijan for four days of team games, worship, Bible studies, small groups, and prayer.

“Watching them growing closer to God was so encouraging. Two friends who attended came with loads of questions: Stepan was very open to the Word, but his friend showed no interest at all and even tried to hold him back. Despite this, by the end of camp, Stepan decided that he wanted to follow Jesus.”

Both students are now avidly attending weekly Crossroads Bible studies.

5. CHATTING AT GAMES NIGHT – MIDDLE EAST ( MENA )

In sensitive contexts, how can you openly talk about Jesus?

Last year, one student group in the Middle East organized a trivia and games night for 27 students, with half coming from non-Christian backgrounds. In a fun atmosphere, with plenty of food and snacks, students engaged in many meaningful conversations. In addition to a talk by their movement staff, the students laid out a small book table with free Bibles and Christian books in Arabic. Similar events have happened throughout this year.

For more on the importance of dialogue through friendship read Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.

6. TALKING ABOUT LABELS – FRESNO, USA ( NORTH AMERICA )

How can you grab people’s attention?

Showing how the gospel addresses real, contemporary issues is essential. At the start of their academic year, an InterVarsity group in Fresno created an open-air stand all about labels.

“Negative labels can inform our identity in harmful ways. The labels that Jesus gives us tell us the truth about our identities. We are loved, forgiven, and accepted.”

Striking artwork depicted the story of “the woman caught in adultery” (John 8), while hands-on activities connected with students’ own personal experiences, opening the way for good news conversations.

7. READING TOGETHER – PORT VILA, VANUATU ( SOUTH PACIFIC )

How can you help people encounter the “real” Jesus?

For a number of IFES movements, distributing specially designed and printed gospels to students – and inviting them to discuss what they read – has proved a successful way of tackling students’ assumptions and misconceptions about Jesus.

This year, the GNYF group at the National University in Vanuatu distributed the Gospel of John in their ?Huia Jisas? mission (“Who is Jesus?” in Bislama). Their approach intentionally differed from the big “crusades” that are commonly held on the islands. Joel Atwood, GNYF national director explains:

“Our key words were ‘diffuse’ and ‘messy’ – we wanted students reading John with fellow students and not relying on big flashy events or loud preachers. We only had two ‘support events’ and the rest of the time it was just students reading with students.”

Find out more about using the Gospels in this way at Uncover.

8. TOURING SCHOOLS – SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ( CARIBBEAN )

How can you introduce a new generation to the good news?

In the Caribbean, many IFES national movements include ministry to high school students. It’s a crucial point at which to reach the younger generation before they face the pressures of their university years.

In Saint Vincent, the ISCCF team had sensed a harvest ready to be reaped among its youth. So, in February and April they partnered with Pastor Sunil Balkaran and the TAM team from Trinidad to tour 16 schools, preaching the gospel alongside performing arts and testimonies.

In all, nearly 4,000 high school students made decisions to follow Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

9. SERVING WITH THE WORD – KHUVSGUL, MONGOLIA ( EAST ASIA )

How can you offer the Word with tangible impact?

In June, a team of nine students and three staff from FCS Mongolia took a two-week trip to Tsagaan Nuur sum in the country’s most northern province.

They served the local community by undertaking a construction project, running sports and games, and organizing open mic events.

They also took to the streets, offering goods and beauty services in the form of hair tints and face massages.

Through it all, they shared the gospel with about 35 adults and 60 children.

See snippets of their trip here.

10. POSTING HOPE – INDIA ( SOUTH ASIA )

How can you spread the digital word?

Sprinkle Hope is an initiative of UESI Kerala that aims “to sprinkle true hope through creative endeavours”.

For India’s Independence Day in August, the team created an Instagram reel inviting reflection on the true meaning of freedom.

At Easter, they posted a deck of illustrated slides that explained the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection.

And previously, on World Suicide Prevention Day, they created a reel around mental health that has now been viewed over 6,000 times.

11. TAKING CHRIST TO THE CUP OF NATIONS – ABIDJAN, CÔTE D’IVOIRE ( FRANCOPHONE AFRICA )

How can you meet people where they are?

At the start of the year, GBUCI groups in Côte d’Ivoire visited various locations where Africa’s Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches were being played.

The GBUCI students engaged with visiting football fans by offering AFCON-coloured make-up and free mouth-watering snacks. They joined the celebrations and shared about the greatest victory of all: Christ’s sacrifice for sin on the cross.

“Over 200 people were touched by the gospel, and we thank God for that”.

12. ACTING OUT THE GOSPEL ( IN VARIOUS PLACES )

How can you tell the whole story in 90 minutes?

The Mark Drama uses theatre-in-the-round to create a joyful yet hard-hitting performance of the gospel. By the end of 90 minutes, the audience has seen every incident and heard almost every word of Jesus as recorded by Mark.

All you need is 15 willing volunteers who learn the content over 6 weeks.

“No props. No professionals. Just Gospel.”

Over the last 10 years, various IFES movements have effectively used this tool. This year, it’s been hosted by BCSU in Bulgaria, ABU Ribeirão Preto at the University of São Paulo’s medical school, and Swansea CU (UCCF Great Britain), where “vibrant performances” were shared with over 100 students.

MORE CHRISTMAS?

Over the last year, the Word has been spread around the world – proclaimed, announced, explained, performed, posted, and embodied. It’s been presented in different ways in different contexts, amid different opportunities and different needs. But the gospel has remained the same:

“Good news that will cause great joy for all people – a Saviour who is born to us, the Messiah, the Lord – peace on earth.” (Luke 2:10-11, 14)

That’s a life-giving word that’s worth spreading everywhere, all the time. You can never have too much Christmas!

AT A GLANCE: CONEXIÓN BLOGS IN 2024

TOPIC | BLOG | WHY READ IT?

Whole-life discipleship

Faithful Everywhere
Living out the gospel in creation, culture, and society

Stories from Chile, Malaysia, and Norway illustrate how you can impact the world with your faith.

Pioneering ministry

Mission Not Yet Accomplished
Breaking New Ground around the world

How can you reach the unreached in the student world? Find out with examples from Equatorial Guinea, Ecuador, and Pakistan.

Giving

Global Perspectives on Giving
Theological, personal, and devotional reflections from around IFES

Broaden your horizons on giving with perspectives from Brazil, the Philippines, and Nigeria.

Acts-style ministry

Student Ministry in the Last Days
10 Principles from the Book of Acts

What should your witness to Jesus look like in “the last days”? Here are 10 pointers, anchored in Acts and practically applied.

Engaging with Scripture

Is the Bible Relevant for Today’s World?
Six steps to discern biblical perspectives on contemporary issues

Improve your approach to exploring what the Bible says on any topic! Includes a FREE booklet.

Conference impact

Christian Conferences: Momentary High or Lasting Impact?
Investigating the influence of IFES’s global gathering – one year on

Do conferences really make a difference in the long term? Discover six lasting impacts from World Assembly 2023. Includes questions to consider when planning your own large conference.

Digital ministry

Student Ministry in a Digital Age
Utilising technology to reach and equip digital natives

Are you just using technology or can you utilise it for Christ? Consider the difference with examples of digital ministry around the IFES world. Includes links to many thought-provoking and practical resources.

Global prayer

Zealous for Global Prayer
Uniting the nations to pray on World Student Day – and beyond

Expand the vision and reach of your prayers by connecting with a movement of worldwide intercession. Includes a FREE devotional guide.

Student initiative

Amateurs in Charge?
The risky yet rewarding business of student-led ministry

See the connections between Luke 10 and IFES ministry – and discover six compelling reasons why the risk of student-led ministry is worth the reward.