What to Write in a Christian Christmas Card
Why Send a Christian Christmas Card?
Life is busy. People move frequently and are often parted from friends and family they once spent a lot of time with. This is one of the main reasons I love the ritual of sending Christmas cards so much. It’s like an annual check-in. My favourite cards to receive tend to be from people we used to see weekly saying ‘we still miss you’. There are people I know we’ll hear from every December, even if the year has not brought us together physically.
Sending a Christian Christmas card lets the recipient know you’re thinking of them. As well as making contact, you’re rejoicing with them and focussing your collective gaze on Jesus’ birth. In recent years, as we’ve been settling into a new church, giving Christmas cards to people has strengthened our relationship with them. It’s also given me a moment to pause and feel grateful for new friends.
For me, a handwritten note will always feel more meaningful than a festive WhatsApp message or group text. The fact it requires thought and effort is the whole point. When you receive a card, you can hang them on your banister or put them on the mantlepiece. They also make a wonderful change from the usual junk mail, charity newsletters and bills through the letterbox!
My Tips for Choosing and Sending Faith-Based Christmas Cards
To send Christmas cards to those I hold dear, I like to make a list of people to send or give cards to. I keep this list in the Notes app of my phone and include their names, the names of their children, and their addresses. Personally, I think adding in the names of children, even ones you’ve never met, is a way to make the card more personal than writing ‘and family’. This initial list is a great starting point. You can then assess whether anyone needs to be removed or added.
My favourite way to ensure Christmas card writing doesn’t feel overwhelming is to begin nice and early. I start by choosing some beautifully designed, high-quality cards. I always go for faith-based Christmas cards and make sure they are designed and printed in the UK because supporting local businesses is important to me.
I usually buy my cards in October or early November and spend most evenings throughout November writing a few at a time. I love choosing card designs for each person specifically. If you get stuck pluralising names and addressing cards, read my handy guide, How to Write Surnames in Your Christmas Cards.
This year, I was inspired by all the prophecies about Jesus long before his life, and how his birth fulfilled so many of them. My new designs follow this theme, with words from Isaiah 9:6 on a set of four cards and an illustration of Jesus sleeping in the manger with the words ‘prophecy fulfilled’ hand-lettered above him.
I’ll be sending a few of my own cards, as well as cards by Sarah Dinsdale purchased in her closing-down sale. (She still has incredible-looking watercolour painting classes and tutorials if you live near South West London). It’s likely I’ll need a few more, but I'll be at a couple of markets in November, so I’ll probably pick some up then.
What to Write in a Christian Christmas Card
Inside the card, I love to write a prayer or blessing for the recipients. Here are a couple of examples from recent years…
‘Wishing you a very happy Christmas, reflecting on Emmanuel – God with us – a restful time with loved ones, and a new year where you see God’s hand at work in your life and around you.’
‘We have loved getting to know you a little this year. We pray you have a Christ-focused Christmas time, rejoicing at the amazing grace shown to us and looking forward to spending more time with you in the new year.’
‘The Lord bless you and keep you this Christmas time, may you know His favour on you this coming year.’
‘Praying for you especially this Christmas, as it is the first without your lovely mum. Praying you know peace and comfort, remembering her, rejoicing that she is with the Lord, and celebrating her first Christmas in heaven. Looking forward to catching up when we visit in March.’
Bible Verses to Include in a Christian Christmas Card
I love Christmas cards with a faith message on the front. This is the part of the card that will be seen most. Inside, if you want to write a Bible verse, it doesn’t have to be Christmas-related. Here are some ideas to get you started…
To someone you don’t see often: Philippians 1:3 - I thank my God every time I think of you.
To someone who needs some encouragement: Romans 15:3 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit or Luke 2:10-11 - Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Something short and Christmassy: Matthew 1:21 - She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
And Hope Designs Christian Christmas Cards
I have a lovely, thoughtful collection of Christian Christmas cards which you can find here >>> Christian Christmas Cards
If you’d like to stay connected to Christian friends and family by sending more happy mail throughout the year, you’ll find lots of inspiration via the links below:
How to be a Good Christian Friend
What to Write in an Adult Baptism Card
How to Send a Meaningful Christian Birthday Card That Points to Jesus
