Introduction
Do you want to invite your neighbors and friends to the Christmas service without making them uncomfortable? Here are twelve simple, jargon-free texts, sorted by format: flyer, text message, social media and a card to slip into mailboxes. Just replace the place and the time, shown in brackets, then send the text as it is. Choose the one that sounds most like the way you talk.
Invitation Text for a Christmas Flyer or Poster
A flyer is read in a few seconds. Put the place, the time and one sentence that makes people want to come, then leave space around the text.
"Christmas is also a story told together. Songs, readings and a warm moment over a coffee. See you at [place] at [time]. Free entry, come as you are."
"One December evening, to catch your breath. Music, lights, a short Christmas story and a drink to finish. We are waiting for you at [place] at [time]."
"Looking for a family Christmas outing? We welcome you at [place] at [time] for songs and a children's play. No sign-up, no cost."
Text Message to Invite a Friend to the Christmas Service
A personal message works better than an announcement. Write the way you talk, offer to go together and apply no pressure.
"Hi! Our church is holding a Christmas service at [place] at [time]. It will be warm and fairly short. Want to come with me? I can pick you up."
"I am thinking of you for Christmas. Our church is organizing an evening of songs at [place] at [time], followed by a snack. No obligation, but I would love to see you there."
"Hello, I am inviting you to my church's Christmas service, at [place] at [time]. There will be music and a time for the children. You will be welcome, even at the last minute."
Christmas Invitation Post for Social Media
On social media, a short text with the date and place gets shared faster. Add a photo of the church or of faces rather than a too commercial graphic.
"Christmas is near and we are opening our doors. Join us at [place] at [time] for a family service, songs and a snack. Share this message with someone who would like to come."
"Spending Christmas alone or far from your family? Come to us at [place] at [time]. A simple moment, friendly faces and a table to share. Send us a private message for more details."
"The whole neighborhood is invited to our Christmas service. See you at [place] at [time]. Come with your children, your parents or your neighbors: there is room for everyone."
Invitation Card to Slip into Mailboxes
A card in a mailbox reaches people you do not know yet. Keep a friendly tone and add a number or an address to reply.
"Dear neighbors, we are a small community in the neighborhood and we would love to celebrate Christmas with you. Let us meet at [place] at [time] to sing and share a friendly moment."
"As Christmas approaches, we are slipping this note to each of our neighbors. An evening of songs and readings awaits you at [place] at [time]. You can come alone or with your family."
"Hello, we live very close to you and wanted to tell you with a card rather than a flyer. Our church opens its doors at [place] at [time] for Christmas, with a snack to finish."
Verses to Go with Your Invitation
If you would like to add a discreet reference at the bottom of the card or the post, here are texts about joy and welcome.
Luke 2:10-11
"The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
The announcement of the birth as good news for all the people. It suits an invitation open to everyone. Read all of Luke 2.
Luke 2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men."
A short verse about the glory of God and peace, easy to place at the bottom of a flyer. Read all of Luke 2.
Matthew 2:10
"When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy."
A sentence about the joy of those who seek. It speaks to people who are searching and do not yet dare to come in. Read all of Matthew 2.
Hebrews 13:2
"Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it."
A reminder for you and your team: welcome is a value to take seriously on the day of the event. Read all of Hebrews 13.
Tips to Get Your Invitation Read and Followed
Invite those you know first. A personal word from a neighbor or a colleague carries far more weight than a thousand flyers handed out on the street.
Write the full place, the start time and the expected length. A guest who knows they will be out before seven o'clock comes more easily.
Avoid church words nobody understands. Talk about songs, readings and a friendly time rather than a worship service or fellowship.
After the event, thank those who came with a short message. Do not insist that they come back: let them decide at their own pace.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you hand out Christmas service invitations?
Two to three weeks before the date. Earlier, people forget; later, their December calendar is already full. A text reminder the day before helps those who had promised to come.
Should you write that the service is free?
Yes, a note like free entry reassures people. Also say that no sign-up is needed, because many people fear committing.
How do you invite someone who is not a believer?
Present the event as a time of songs, sharing and friendliness in which they are free to take part. Avoid sentences that assume a faith already in place.
to take notes and ask questions.