Last Minute Gift Idea

With the influx of refugees and immigrants from all over the globe flooding into the U.S., Jesus Film Project ® is hoping to create a shift in the way Christians approach their new neighbors this Christmas by encouraging them to open their hearts and boldly share the love of Christ through The “JESUS” Film.  To do that, Jesus Film Project is making “JESUS,” the most watched film in history according to The Guinness Book of World Records, available through a special Christmas Promotion allowing individuals to purchase hundreds of DVD’s at the cost of $1 each.

Immigrants, including refugees fleeing war-torn and impoverished countries, now make up 26 percent of the overall U.S. population. Couple that with the Breitbart Poll that suggests that at least 52 percent of Americans believe that accepting refugees will make them less safe, it is clear that a large concentration of Americans have reservations about welcoming immigrants into their neighborhoods. Jesus Film Project is asking for Christians to set aside those fears and reach out to new families who are in such dire need of hope this season.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. Luke 2:8-11

Josh Newell, Communications Director at Jesus Film Project shares his view on the importance of welcoming others from different backgrounds.

“By offering immigrant families a genuine welcome and getting to know who they are, not just the stereotypes being displayed in the media, it helps break down the walls fear so quickly builds,”.   Jesus is respected among many religions and given his birth is the reason for Christmas, this is the perfect time to share about the importance of his life and death. ”

The “JESUS” film was envisioned by Bill Bright, co-founder of Cru, and was produced in cooperation with The Genesis Project. Jesus Film Project continues to carry out Bright’s vision of showing this film to people in every country of the world. Jesus Film Project provides several tools for people to share the Gospel with their neighbors including The “JESUS” Film, which is now available in more than 1,400 languages on DVD and Blu-ray, and is a faithful depiction of Christ’s birth, ministry, death and resurrection as told in the biblical account from the Gospel of Luke.

In addition, the Jesus Film Project App, available on IOS or Android, also offers the full-length version of The “JESUS” Film, and additional tools such as “Magdalena,” a film that specifically addresses JESUS’ ministry toward women, and “The Story of JESUS for Children.”

 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Luke 2: 12-15

Newell explains his hope for people to share their faith with others.

“We want to equip people to go out and spread the message of Christ’s love this season. Despite our fears, we should always remember that Jesus commanded us to share the Good News, and now that the mission field has come to our back door, we have a greater responsibility more now than ever to follow that commandment.”

Risen Reflections

Share the meaning of Christmas. Pray and ask God who He wants you to share the meaning of Christmas with. It could be a friend, neighbor, co-worker or even family member. As you pray, ask God to direct you to a resource that might help you share your faith. It might be the Jesus Film, inspirational video, or inviting them to a Christmas service. Many people are more open to hearing about the Gospel during this time of year.

Give gifts with meaning. This year, consider adding a CD, DVD, devotional or another gift that shares about the meaning of Christmas. Pray about writing a Christmas card or note where you share about your faith and how you began your relationship with Christ and what Christmas now means to you. As you give your gifts, pray for the recipient that the Holy Spirit would soften their heart and that they would be open to receiving Christ as their Lord and Savior this year.

Pray for refugees. Pray for the ministries that are working on the frontlines providing food and resources to them. Pray for reconciliation and healing in their countries. Ask God to protect them. Pray for opportunities for conversations about their faith and what they believe and if they are open for you to share about your relationship with Christ.

For more information on where to purchase the DVD’s of The “JESUS” Film, visit http://christmasJESUSdvd.org/.