Here’s some good news: this month, for one month only, conversation about the incarnation of Jesus is socially acceptable with pretty much anyone!
Of course it’s not quite that simple, but it’s a huge opportunity that throughout December it’s normal to talk about Christmas. Let me offer two questions and one story that might help those conversations go a little deeper.
First question: ‘How do you celebrate Christmas?’ This is no more socially intense than ‘what are your plans for Christmas?’ but it pushes the door ajar to the religious dimension of things. Then as you listen to what they’re saying here’s a follow up that might take things a bit deeper: ‘Does Christmas feel meaningful to you? Or does it just feel like a good excuse to get people together?’ I can’t promise it will lead anywhere in particular, but it might generate a more thoughtful interaction than just chatting about how much holiday they’re taking from work.