I’m an amateur magician, and one thing magicians learn early is this: a trick doesn’t really become yours until you’ve performed it at least 25 times. You think 25 sounds like a lot… until you realise that’s just the beginning. There’s one rope trick I’ve done hundreds—maybe even a thousand—times. And yet recently, at a church outreach, I completely blew it.

Now, I can fail once and blame the person for using the wrong hand. But this wasn’t once. I was failing over and over. So I quietly stepped to the side and worked the trick out again.
Why?
Because I needed to practise.

The same is true of evangelism.

One of my favourite ways of sharing the Gospel around Christmas is simply asking a person, “Have you read the Christmas story lately?”
Every word in that sentence matters.

• Have you read…
  Very few non-Christians have actually read it.
• …the Christmas story…
  They may know the carols and nativity scenes, but not the story itself.
• …lately?
  Almost always, the answer is “No.”

Then I ask, “Would it be OK if I shared the highlights?” Almost everyone says yes.

What are the highlights? I like to draw a simple little tic-tac-toe board with 12 squares and sketch out the main points. My drawing skills aren’t better than an elementary student’s, but that’s alright — it’s just visual notes to help tell the story.

I’ve done this many times and feel pretty confident with it. But two weekends ago, at a Christmas party, I tried to share it with someone and… it didn’t go well. The music was loud, the person’s English was limited, and I didn’t have any way to draw the visuals. I had to explain it verbally — and I stumbled. I got the basic message across, but all the connecting pieces felt clumsy.

And that’s when I realised again:
I need to practise.

As we walk into the Christmas season — and as you help equip others to share the Gospel — remember the importance of practising. Practise until the message feels natural, clear, confident, and loving.
What method you use is up to you. But whatever it is, practise it.

People say “Practice makes perfect.” Maybe not perfect — but it certainly helps.

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the creativity You’ve given us and the many ways we can share Your message. Help us be sensitive to people, attentive to their hearts, and faithful to communicate the Gospel with accuracy and love. We long to see people experience the joy of knowing You this Christmas season. Amen.

Have a great week talking with people about Jesus.  I'm going to practise telling the Christmas story with my tic-tac-toe board. 

What are you going to practise?  Could any of your friends help you with that practise so they can see you model how you share your faith?

P.S. Who do you think would be encouraged by this email?  Forward it to them and let them know they can walk alongside experienced cross-cultural evangelists by visiting: https://hereslife.com/encouragement