Danish Christians are already looking forward to the Christmas
season, but this year they’ll have something more than just cheery greetings to
hand out. Hint: In this case we’re not talking about an online outreach.
This is all about challenging unchurched and once-a-year
visitors in a traditional format that’s been used and valued in Denmark for
decades: Good old-fashioned Christmas magazines.
Yes, magazines. In secular Denmark, most such publications
are filled with seasonal short stories and features, packed with plenty of
Julenisser (Christmas elves). This year’s “Julemagasin” from Christian
publisher Lohse builds on that tradition with a tried-and-true format
highlighting stories of transformation and gospel outreach. It’s a culturally
acceptable way for believers to reach their unchurched friends and neighbors
with the good news of Jesus Christ.
So yes, it may be old-school, but it’s working. The
magazines were first produced in 2008, and print runs have been rising ever
since. Last year more than 80 churches ordered copies to give away to nearly
13,000 Danes.
“We ordered 200 magazines and handed out half of them on the
street,” said Asbjørn Asmussen from Sct. Mihaelis church in Fredericia. The
other half of the magazines were given to those attending their Christmas Eve
service—including their once-a-year visitors.
This year, the magazine features a story about Danish prison
ministry, holiday reflections, and articles about Heaven.
PRAY for the
“Julemagasin” outreach, that God’s Holy Spirit would touch hearts through the
stories, and that lives would be changed.
PRAY that more
copies than ever would find their way to unreached homes.
PRAY that God
would touch the hearts of Danish Christians in this outreach, helping them to
see the joy of sharing Christ with others.