Introduction
Christmas is coming and you want to write to a colleague, a neighbor or an acquaintance, but you are not sure how to mention your faith with tact. Not a message so religious that it makes people uncomfortable, and not bland greetings that say nothing about what Christmas means to you. This page offers 16 messages sorted by tone: simple, warm, short for a text or longer for a card. Choose the one that sounds like you, then slip in the suggested verse if the setting allows.
Simple Christmas Messages for a Colleague
At work, favor a respectful, simple tone that suits your relationship. A sincere wish and a discreet touch of faith are enough, without making anyone uncomfortable.
"I wish you a very merry Christmas, surrounded by the people you love. May these holidays bring you rest and peace after a busy year of work."
"As Christmas approaches, I wanted to thank you for the quality of our work together. May this season be a time of joy, light and renewal for you."
"Merry Christmas! For me, it is the feast of peace and hope. I wish you plenty of both, and your family too. Thank you for your kindness every day."
"Happy holidays to you and your loved ones. May this end-of-year break give you lovely moments of sharing and calm."
Luke 2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward men."
The song of the angels on Christmas night: glory to God and peace on earth. A universal verse that speaks of peace without being intrusive. Read all of Luke 2.
Warm Messages for a Neighbor or a Close Colleague
With a neighbor you often see or a colleague who has become a friend, you can talk more freely about your faith. Tell them what Christmas changes for you, without trying to convince them.
"Merry Christmas! For me, this feast is a reminder that a child was born to bring hope to the world. I wish you a simple, deep joy. Thank you for being such a great neighbor."
"Dear neighbors, as Christmas approaches, I wanted to wish you a lovely holiday. May it bring you gentleness, good company and peace. It is a pleasure to live next door to you."
"For me, Christmas is the time when I take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for your support this year, for our chats and our laughs. I wish you holidays full of warmth."
"I am thinking of you this Christmas season. If you would like to join us for the Christmas service or a meal, you are welcome, with no obligation at all. Either way, Merry Christmas to you and your family."
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 angel's announcement to the shepherds: good news of great joy for all the people. It expresses the heart of the Christmas message with simplicity. Read all of Luke 2.
Short Christmas Messages by Text
A Christmas text stays brief. A wish, a thank-you, and if you feel it, a touch of your faith are plenty.
"Merry Christmas! May this holiday bring you joy and peace."
"Happy holidays to you and your family!"
"A friendly thought for Christmas. May the light of this feast go with you."
"Merry Christmas, and thanks for this year. See you soon!"
Isaiah 9:6
"For a child is born to us. A son is given to us; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
The prophecy of the child given to us, called Prince of Peace. A verse to send in a second message, to someone open to your faith. Read all of Isaiah 9.
Christmas Cards with a Verse for a Colleague or Neighbor
A handwritten card always makes an impression. A few personal sentences, a short verse, your signature: that is all.
"Dear colleagues, as we close out this year, I wanted to thank you for the trust and good humor between us. For me, Christmas is the time of the light that comes into the night. I wish you a time of rest, joy and sharing with your loved ones."
"To you, who share my working days, I wish a bright Christmas. I have often appreciated your honesty and your smile, which make the days lighter. May these holidays be full of simple, precious moments. Take care of yourself and the people you love."
"Dear neighbors, here are our best wishes for Christmas. We are happy to live near you and to run into you on the stairs. Christmas reminds us that God came to live among us. We wish you a lovely end of year, in peace and friendship."
"Dear friend, this Christmas I wanted to say thank you for your quiet but faithful presence. I am not always good at expressing my feelings, but I wanted you to know they are sincere. May God bless you and fill you with peace this season."
John 1:14
"The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth."
The Word made flesh who lived among us, full of grace and truth. A verse that expresses the deep meaning of Christmas, to slip into a card for a friend who is open to it. Read all of John 1.
How to Write Your Own Christmas Message to a Colleague
Adapt your language to the relationship and the setting. At work, stay simple and let your faith show through words like peace, light or hope.
Do not try to convince. A Christmas message is not the place for a theological discussion. Simply share what the feast means to you.
Offer an invitation if you want to, without pressing. Saying "our church is holding a Christmas service, you are welcome" leaves them free to say yes or no.
Be aware of everyone's sensitivities. Some go through Christmas alone or in sadness. A discreet word, such as "I am thinking of you", is sometimes worth more than a grand festive phrase.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mention your faith in a professional Christmas message?
Yes, with tact. Words like peace, light or hope express your faith without offending. If your colleague knows you are a Christian, you can add a short verse. Stay mindful of your company's rules and of everyone's sensitivities.
Which verse should I use for a Christmas card?
Luke 2:14 on peace, Luke 2:10-11 on the joy of the announcement and Isaiah 9:6 on the child given to us are classics. Choose a short verse that fits the tone of your relationship and that your recipient can understand.
How do you wish a neighbor who does not believe a merry Christmas?
Stay simple, warm and respectful. Wish them joy and peace, thank them for something specific and, without pushing, offer to share a moment together. The quality of the relationship already says a lot about your faith.