Close

How to Know God

Do you ever wonder what Christians believe? Who Jesus is, what he did and why it matters? Get answers to these questions and more.

Spiritual Growth

Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth.

Life & Relationships

Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God.

Bible Studies

Find resources for personal or group Bible study.

Share the Gospel

Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus.

Help Others Grow

Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring.

Leadership Training

Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are.

Video

Browse videos designed to help you grow spiritually, share your faith, and lead others well.

Language Resources

View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages.

Quizzes & Assessments

Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others.

Campus

Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others.

City

Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city.

Inner City

Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs.

Athletes

Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation.

Families

Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage.

High School

Reaching students and faculty in middle and high school.

Military

Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide.

Locate Cru Near You

Explore Cru's global presence and discover how you can get involved in communities worldwide.

Events

Whether you're interested in conferences or local gatherings, there's an opportunity for you. Explore upcoming events and find your place to serve and grow.

Mission Trips

Explore domestic and global mission trips with Cru—serve, grow, and make an eternal impact. Opportunities for students, families, and professionals.

Internships

Explore Cru's internship opportunities—serve globally or locally, develop your skills, and make an eternal impact. Apply today!

Careers

Explore full- and part-time ministry careers with Cru—use your skills to impact eternity. Apply today!

Volunteer

Explore volunteer opportunities with Cru and use your skills to impact lives for eternity.

International

Explore global mission opportunities with Cru—serve, grow, and make an eternal impact.

What We Do

How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus.

Donor Relations

Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Cru’s annual report and more.

Our Leadership

Learn about Cru's global leadership team.

Cru Partnerships

When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen.

Storylines

Showing God in action in and through His people.

Press

Access Cru's latest news releases, media contacts, and background information on our global ministries and leadership.

0

How to Talk About Christmas

Christmas is as much a time to give as it is to receive.

Good questions this holiday can convey genuine care, turn a conversation toward Jesus or possibly lead another to find God's great gift of salvation in Christ.

Here are five questions related to the topic of Christmas that you might find of value:

1. With whom will you (or your family) celebrate the holiday this season?

It is a very general question. But it can serve as a good, safe place to start.

By phrasing your question with the word "holiday" as opposed to "Christmas," even one who wouldn't celebrate Christmas can respond. And without seeming nosy, you are likely to learn something of the state of another's personal relationships or glean some quick insight into how the person views Christmas.

Remember that the best questions are always asked in a manner that requires more than a "yes" or "no" response. Give thought to follow-up questions you might ask to help probe their beliefs, attitudes, preferences, emotions or struggles in life.

2. What does Christmas mean to you?

As an alternative to asking, "what is your spiritual background?" – a good conversation starter the rest of the year – this question can similarly provide a rather direct, quick survey of a person's spiritual beliefs.

Be ready for any natural opportunity the question invokes to be able to talk of why, as a Christian, Christmas is such a special time for you.

If any question feels a bit too heavy, try introducing it with the words, "I was just wondering..." Most people are curious about life and can identify with the active wondering of another.

3. What are some traditions of the holiday you especially enjoy? Or, how will you celebrate this season?

Either of these questions can produce a similar result. By tapping into traditional practices, you can likely talk of how Christian musicals, Christmas Eve services, the reading of the Christmas story or any other spiritual aspect of Christmas is important to you.

4. What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?

You might be surprised. Songs like "Silent Night," "O Come All Ye Faithful" or "Joy to the World" have much universal appeal. A discussion around songs can provide a comfortable transition to talking about Christ. Look for opportunities to communicate your faith story.

5. In what ways has church played a part in your celebration of the season?

This question is certainly more direct. However, even if the answer is "none," you have still opened the door for some added discussion.

You could soften this question by beginning with a more personal statement (e.g., "Our family really looks forward to the Christmas Eve church service. In what ways has church played a part in your celebration of the season?")

Depending on how the other person responds, you might ask, "Really? Church is a part of Christmas for so many people, what is it that has caused you to stay away?" or "Our church is having a special Christmas Eve service or musical – would you to like to be my guest?"

Giving thought in advance to such follow-up questions will increase the likelihood of continuing a conversation and potentially transitioning talk toward Christ.

Since 1951, Cru has helped individuals who grapple with integrating faith into daily life by offering practical steps and community support. As a result, countless people in over 190 countries have been empowered to move from passive belief to active faith.