There’s something about the Christmas season that softens hearts, opens doors, and reminds us again why Jesus came. Lights are twinkling, families are gathering, and everywhere we look, people are searching for peace, hope, and meaning—whether they realize it or not.
And as we move toward the New Year, I keep coming back to this truth:
We are Christ’s ambassadors.
His representatives.
His light-bearers.
His messengers of hope in a weary world.
We are called to make Him known.
Paul says it plainly in 2 Corinthians 5:20:
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
The Greek word for ambassador means to act as one’s representative.
Not by accident.
Not by coincidence.
On purpose.
Jesus said it again after His resurrection:
“As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)
The same God who sent Jesus into the world now sends us—into our neighborhoods, workplaces, grocery stores, families, and Christmas gatherings… on purpose.
And not to perform or impress, but simply to shine—to make Him known:
“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” (Matthew 5:14–16)
Christmas Reminds Us Why We Go
Christmas is ultimately a sending story—God sending His Son into a broken world to bring hope, healing, and redemption. And now that same mission continues through us.
I think sometimes we forget that. We get caught up in the rush, the lists, the gifts, the schedules… and it’s easy to lose sight of the quiet opportunities right in front of us.
But December has a beautiful way of slowing us down long enough to remember:
We carry the greatest story the world has ever known.
And people around us are hungry for it.
You don’t have to preach a sermon.
You don’t have to have the perfect words.
You don’t have to force anything.
Being an ambassador for Christ is often simple.
It’s gentle.
It’s natural.
It’s living in a way that makes others wonder what (or Who) you have that they’re missing.
A Small Act of Obedience
I remember a time when I felt completely alone and honestly a little scared of what the future held. I was kneeling at the altar, pouring out my heart to the Lord, when suddenly I felt a gentle hand on my shoulder. One of the elders had come over and began to speak a prophetic word over me.
His simple act of obedience changed everything in that moment.
Through his willingness to listen to the Holy Spirit, I felt God’s love in a way I hadn’t before—personal, intentional, near. It was as if God Himself whispered, “I see you. I’m right here with you.” That moment became a lifeline to my heart.
What still amazes me is this: I recently spoke with that same man, and he had no memory of the moment at all. None.
And that reminded me—again—how we often have no idea what our obedience can mean to someone else. We may never know the impact this side of heaven.
Yet God knows.
And He uses every small act of faithfulness.
People Remember How You Make Them Feel
Whether you’re hosting family, working through a busy December, or navigating a New Year’s gathering, you have countless chances to make Him known:
✧ A gentle answer
✧ A moment of kindness
✧ A word of encouragement
✧ A prayer offered when someone shares a burden
✧ A quiet act of generosity
✧ A conversation that points to hope
✧ A simple “I’ll be praying for you this week”
Most people don’t need a theological explanation.
They need to feel the love of Jesus through the people who belong to Him.
We sometimes underestimate the way the Holy Spirit works through small, sincere moments—especially during the holidays when hearts are already tender.
This Is Who We Are
As we step toward the New Year, this calling stirs my heart more than ever:
We weren’t saved to blend in.
We were saved to shine.
Not perfectly.
Not loudly.
But intentionally.
Boldly.
Courageously.
We are ambassadors on purpose—carrying the hope of Jesus into places that desperately need Him. And what a privilege that is.
Not a burden.
Not a pressure.
A privilege.
God could have chosen any method to reach people…
and He chose us.
The way you speak.
The way you listen.
The way you treat people.
The way you show compassion.
The way you live your everyday life.
The way you share His love and His Word.
All of it reflects Him.
And the beautiful part?
You never represent Him alone.
The Holy Spirit goes with you… everywhere.
Simple Ways to Make Him Known This Christmas + New Year
Here are a few easy, natural practices you can adopt:
- Ask one intentional question when someone shares a struggle:
“Would you mind if I prayed for you?” Then, pray with them – right there and then. - Notice the person who feels invisible—especially during the holidays. A quiet moment of kindness may be the lifeline they’re praying for.
- Bless someone anonymously—a gift card, a handwritten note, or a kindness they can’t repay.
- Share a scripture or encouragement that has helped you this year.
- Practice presence: put your phone down and be fully with the people around you.
- Live your faith calmly and consistently—people notice peace.
- Be quick to forgive and slow to take offense during tense family moments.
- Invite someone to church or Bible study (maybe even take them to lunch afterward).
These aren’t grand gestures.
They’re just simple, intentional ways to shine.
A New Year, a New Opportunity
As we close this blog series and step into a brand-new year, this is my prayer:
That we would not only live lives of purpose…
but that we would live lives that make Him known.
In our homes.
In our workplaces.
In our friendships.
In our decisions.
In our attitudes.
In our everyday moments.
We are Christ’s ambassadors—sent, equipped, empowered, and covered.
And what a beautiful way to begin the New Year… shining His light into a world that desperately needs it.