The Heart of Christmas: Faith, Hope and the Cards We Send

Christmas is around the corner. Before we get caught up in shopping, food and working out who’s going where, it’s a good time to think about what we’re celebrating.

What do you look forward to most? Hearing your favourite carol? Going to church with your family? Catching up with people you haven’t seen enough of this year?

For Christians, the reason behind it all is the birth of Jesus. The celebrations can be lovely, but it’s that message of God’s love that makes Christmas more than another date in the diary.

Why Christmas matters to Christians

Christmas celebrates the Christian belief that God came into the world as Jesus. His birth is the beginning of a story that leads to his life, death and resurrection, which are central to Christian faith.

And the story starts with a baby in a manger, not a palace. Mary, Joseph and their newborn son are at the centre of a scene many of us have known since childhood, through church, school nativities and the cards on the mantelpiece.

You don’t have to make the story sound complicated for it to matter. For Christians, it’s a reminder that God’s love is for ordinary people, in their everyday lives. That’s worth celebrating and sharing.

A Christmas card that remembers the reason

There’s room for a funny Christmas card, a festive design and one that puts your faith first. Think about who you’re sending it to and what Christmas means to them.

Our The Reason for the Season card shows Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus beneath a star, with the words “For unto us…” below them. For a friend or family member who celebrates the birth of Jesus, it’s a lovely way to share that part of Christmas.

The holy family is illustrated with brown skin. Jesus was born into a Jewish family in the Middle East, and this artwork is an interpretation of that familiar scene.

At All Shades, seeing black people and brown skin in everyday designs matters, including the cards we choose at Christmas. It’s lovely to find artwork you connect with, rather than always having to settle for whatever is available.

I’ve written more about that feeling in How Afrocentric Greeting Cards Can Boost Self Esteem.

The angels have good news to share

The angels are an important part of the Christmas story, not just something pretty for the top of the tree.

In Luke’s account, an angel tells the shepherds that Jesus has been born, bringing good news of great joy for all people. More angels join in praising God. The shepherds then go to see the baby and share what they’ve heard.

That’s what our Rejoice! A Child is Born card celebrates. Three black angels in white robes, with gold wings and halos, appear beneath the stars. The message is simple: “A child is born!”

Who would you send it to? Someone from church, a friend who shares your faith, or a family member who loves the Christmas story?

You could write: “Celebrating the good news of Jesus’ birth with you. Wishing you and your family God’s love, peace and plenty of joy this Christmas.”

Following the star

Then there are the wise men, following the star to find Jesus and bringing gifts to honour him. Their journey is another part of the story that many of us remember from childhood.

Our Follow that Star card shows the traditional three crowned figures riding camels beneath a gold star. It’s a simple design that keeps the Christmas story in view.

If you’re not sure what to write inside, you don’t need to come up with anything elaborate. Try: “Wishing you a lovely Christmas as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Thank you for your friendship this year.”

Or add a memory, a thank-you or something you’re looking forward to doing together. A card feels more personal when the message sounds like you.

When Christmas isn’t an easy time

Not everyone will be looking forward to Christmas in the same way. Someone you know may be missing a loved one, worrying about money or facing their first Christmas on their own.

You can share your faith without expecting them to put on a happy face. Sometimes “I’m thinking of you” is what they need to hear most.

Our Peace and Joy card features a dove with red and gold stars. It’s a gentle choice for sending Christmas wishes with a message of care.

You might write: “I know Christmas will feel different this year. Thinking of you with love and praying you find moments of peace. I’d love to catch up when you feel up to it.”

If you can offer a visit, a meal or a phone call, say so. Just make sure it’s something you can follow through on.

Who would you like to thank this Christmas?

Maybe someone has prayed with you, checked in when you were having a difficult week or helped you in a way they thought was no big deal. A Christmas card is a good chance to tell them you noticed.

These Christmas cards are blank inside, so you can write a prayer, share a memory or simply say thank you.

“Thank you for being there for me this year. Your calls and prayers have meant so much. Wishing you a lovely Christmas and some well-earned rest!”

It doesn’t need to be a long message. A few words that mean something to both of you are enough.

A little reminder to wear this Christmas

If you’d like a small gift to go with your card, our Jesus Is the Reason for the Season enamel pin fits the message perfectly.

The words sit inside a green wreath with red berries and a bow. Add it to your coat, jacket or bag, or give it to someone who shares your faith.

As we get ready for Christmas, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the decorations, presents and a very full plate. For Christians, this little pin is a reminder of why we’re celebrating in the first place: Jesus is the reason for the season.