The light we long for: finding the Gospel in our Christmas traditions 

Imagine the impact if our familiar Christmas customs—the tree, the treats, the films—stopped being mere distractions and became clear cues for sharing the hope we find in Christ. A new booklet may help, writes Chris Frost

Around 85 per cent of UK households still put up a Christmas tree. In a supposedly secular nation, that’s extraordinary. Each December, millions of people—many with no church connection whatsoever—still deck trees, wrap gifts, bake treats, and watch their favourite festive films. 

Why do these traditions endure?

The truth is, even our most ordinary customs hum with sacred echoes. They tell fragments of a bigger story. That insight inspired The Light We Long For, a new 20-page booklet that explores how familiar Christmas symbols—trees, visitors, films, gifts and treats—all point to the astonishing news of the gospel.


Everyday symbols, eternal meanings

Take the Christmas tree. We drag one indoors, crown it with lights, and call it beautiful. It’s an odd, yet profound, tradition. The evergreen tree has deep biblical resonance: from the Tree of Life in Eden to the cross where Jesus gave His life. The tree glowing in your living room is low-key humming a tune of peace offered and peace restored—a peace found only in Christ, "the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).

Or consider Christmas visitors. Navigating traffic or packed trains, what we really crave isn't stuff—it’s connection. The first Christmas story is the ultimate divine connection: God stepping down to be with us, not as a distant ruler, but as a baby in a manger. Emmanuel—God with us.

What about Christmas films? Films like It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol draw us back because they stir a longing for hope, redemption, and second chances. Even Scrooge’s dramatic 11th-hour turnaround is basically a slightly fictionalised version of the good news: hearts really can be changed, grace is still possible, and that hope has a name: Jesus.

Finally, gifts and treats. The joy of giving, the sweetness of sharing—these reflect a God who gave Himself for us. The first Christmas was the moment heaven offered the world its greatest, most perfect gift.


Sharing the light in a natural way

For churches across the UK, Christmas is the most natural season to reach out with the gospel. People who rarely step inside a church still love to attend carol services or community events. Our challenge is simple: bridge the familiar rhythms of the season with the deeper story they hint at.

That’s where The Light We Long For helps. It's written to be warm, thoughtful, and inviting—not preachy or combative. Each chapter, starting with a story, gently explores a Christmas tradition, traces its origins, and then points to the gospel meaning beneath it.

The back cover has space for a personal message or your church details, making it perfect to give alongside a present, at a carol event, or even delivered through a letterbox with an invitation card. Churches are already planning to give copies to visitors, neighbours, and community groups.

Our nation may no longer know the Christmas story, but it still feels its longing.

Imagine the impact if these familiar customs—the tree, the treats, the films—stopped being mere distractions and became clear cues for sharing the hope we find in Christ.

Order your copies of The Light We Long For today from just 80p each here: cpo.org.uk/the-light-we-long-for-booklet.html

 

Chris Frost leads the team at Gateway Church Leeds, is the UK Team Leader for ChristCentral Churches and is an Executive Coach. He loves celebrating Christmas with family, especially with a mince pie!

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