Holiday Celebrations

Help your neighbours celebrate their religious holidays by sharing with them how their holiday points to Jesus. That is what the early Christian missionaries did and why most people now celebrate Christmas and Easter.

Here are some cards you can download, and websites you can recommend:

Easter

  • Easter is a great season to give your neighbours gifts.  How about an Easter basket with chocolates and this card which will direct them to watch a child-friendly version the Easter Story?

Print double-sided flipping on the long side. Cut in half to make two cards.

English Card

  • Indians may confuse the words "resurrection" and "reincarnation".  This tract uses words designed to clarify the difference:  "After three days, Jesus came alive again in the same body".  We designed this tract for primary school students.

English card

 

Australians -- ANZAC Day

How well do you know the story of Simpson and his Donkey?  A classic Australian story.  These cards lead you on an evangelistic journey which gracefully transitions to the story of the Good Samaritan and an opporunity to investigate more of what Jesus said.

Print version (with QR code)

Online version (for social media.

 

Japanese - Obon

Obon, also known as the Bon Festival, is a traditional Japanese celebration that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. According to Buddhist belief, during Obon, the spirits (ghosts) of the deceased return to visit their living relatives. Lanterns are also an integral part of Obon, as they are said to guide the spirits (ghosts) back to the otherworldly realm at the end of the festival. Here are two videos to give you more understanding of the festival:  video 1               video 2

Watching these videos can give you an exellent introduction into a spiritual conversation.  Here is a suggested path:

    • We’ve been learning about spiritual topics from the Bible, how about spiritual or stories about spirits from Japan?
    • I heard Japanese like ghost stories, is that true? (They will probably giggle)
    • Please tell me about your favourite ghost story.
    • Has anyone ever seen a ghost? 
    • Have you ever had a mysterious ("fushigi”) experience that you want to share?

This line of questions will allow you to ask about their belief in the unseen world and if they believe in an afterlife. Just talking up to this point would be good progress by acknowledging the spirit world. In other words, just let that linger instead of pushing into biblical truths about “the real God” etc. 

Or if they’re open, “Did you know the Bible has some ghost stories?” Share about when Jesus was walking on the water and the disciples thought he was a ghost. They might be surprised to see that the Bible has a ghost story in it and this will help create common ground for more conversation.

 

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Sunday 22 January, 2023  This is the Year of Rabbit in most of the world.  In Vietnam it is the Year of the Cat.

The card ends with this challenge: Jesus has said many other things which have changed my life and given me hope for the future. You can use the QR Code to find out more about what Jesus said. He can change your life and give you hope too!

After your friend has read this card, you might ask them if they would like to learn more about what Jesus taught. Then you could read together through one of the Gospels.

(Print double sided, flipping on the SHORT edge)

Chinese - English Card  

Vietnamese -  English Card  

 

Hindus 

Hindus -- Deepavali

The card draws on the Deepavali theme of light triumphing over darkness and introduces them to Lord Shri Jesus. You might be wondering why I used the phrase “Lord Shri Jesus” instead of just “Jesus.” The term "Shri" is a respectful title often used in Indian culture to honor someone deeply revered—similar to how we honor Jesus as our Lord.

The card also mentions Kalyug, which in Hindu belief is the present age marked by inner struggles and moral decay. Many Hindus believe that this darkness will eventually be dispelled through divine intervention. This connects beautifully to the message of Jesus as the Light of the World, offering hope and renewal to those who follow Him.

You’ll also notice a line about bowing one’s head at someone’s feet. In Indian culture, this is a gesture of respect, humility, and reverence—much like how we humbly come before God in prayer.

Some people may be open to a deeper conversation after receiving the card. Here are a few gentle follow-up questions to help guide the conversation:

      • “What do you usually do to celebrate Deepavali?”
      • “How do you experience light overcoming darkness in your life?”
      • “Do you ever feel like things are out of balance, like in Kalyug?”
      • “Have you ever heard about the teachings of Jesus?  Can I share my one my favourites?”

If they are curious and want to explore more, the card includes a QR code that links to guru.mylanguage.net.au. The website offers videos, articles, and Bible study outlines—available in multiple Indian languages—that explore the life and teachings of Jesus in ways that resonate with Hindu thought.

So print a few cards, keep them handy, and use this as an opportunity to build new connections. Whether it sparks a meaningful conversation or simply plants a seed, it’s a small way to bring light to someone’s life.

Note: Print cards DOUBLE SIDED,  flip on the LONG side, then cut in half.  Or print single sided and fold paper to make a card.

 

Hindus -- Holi

The festival of Holi is a festival of colours.  On this day Hindus may safely interact with people of any caste.  "There are no enemies on Holi".  It is a time of fun, celebration and forgiveness.

Hindi - English card (A4 size)

Hindi - English card (letter size)

Nepali - English card

 

Hindus -- Easter

Indians may confuse the words "resurrection" and "reincarnation".  This tract uses words designed to clarify the difference:  "After three days, Jesus came alive again in the same body".  We designed this tract for primary school students.

English card

 

Muslims -- Eid El Adha


During the festival of Eid El Adha, Muslims sacrifice a lamb, goat or cow to remind them of Abraham's (Ibrahim's) sacrifice.

Christians now understand what the Righteous God intended to show us through the story of Ibrahim and believe that God has given Isa al-Masih as a sacrifice. We believe that nothing else completes the story of Ibrahim’s intention of sacrificing his son, than Isa al-Masih’s death on the cross and his resurrection after three days. Instead of the blood of animals, in which there is no power to save us from our sins, the Holy Lamb came from above, the saviour Isa al-Masih .

To learn more - visit hereslife.info/eid

Here are bi-lingual cards that will explain to your Muslim friend the true significance of Ibrahim's sacrifice:

Muslims -- Easter

 Easter is a great time to talk about Jesus' Last Days on Earth .  Muslims do not believe that Jesus died. This tract shows what really happened in a Muslim-sensitive way. 

Jesus' Last Days on Earth from Power to Change Australia on Vimeo .

 

Other Holidays

If you know of other holidays that can be celebrated in a similar manner, please contact us and help us design an appropriate tract and website.