Three prayers for the CUs this Christmas

‘The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear’

Over many years, Buddy the Elf’s tactics have been widely employed by CUs around the country at Christmas time; organising carol services and mince pie deliveries across the universities. This year will be significantly different as singing might spread more than just cheer. But despite challenges, the spark of student creativity remains and so does the CUs’ passion to make Jesus known!

Since the start of the academic year, CUs across the country have come up with creative solutions so that they have been able to continue to share the gospel whilst also following government guidelines.

And as days get darker and restrictions increase, Christian Unions are uniquely placed to be a light on campus, in their halls and student houses. Even in the case of an extended lockdown, CUs are hoping to reach out from behind closed doors.

Some current plans include:

• Online carols services and quizzes with a clear gospel message: by 2nd December, CUs hope that students will be able to invite their friends to meet in groups of six to watch and discuss together.
• A ‘Christmas window competition’: students from Exeter CU are planning to decorate their windows to publicise their online carols service and cheer up the neighbourhood during the second lockdown.
• ‘Clap for Christmas’: students standing on their doorsteps to sing carols to their neighbourhoods.
• ‘Carol service in a box’: some CUs are hoping to deliver boxes of goodies to students living in accommodation blocks. This box would include a link to an online carol service, some mince pies, a copy of one of the Gospels and decorations, all to enable students stuck in halls to engage with the message of Christmas.

Underpinning all these initiatives is the importance of friendship evangelism, and the opportunity for Christian students to engage with their unbelieving friends on a personal level. Despite the lack of large-scale events, non-Christian students will still have opportunities to explore the message of Christmas in a personal and meaningful way. As a Staff Worker, I am incredibly excited about these new ideas, and hope you will join me in praying for CUs this Christmas.

Here are three prayers for the CUs:

1. Safety and wisdom
   Please pray for safety and wisdom as CUs plan events for the start of December, and that students will engage with the events that are able to go ahead.
2. Open doors
   Please pray for open doors and good relations with universities and local authorities, that the activity of CUs will be able to continue.
3. The Holy Spirit to be at work
   Pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of university students this year so that they understand the hope found in Jesus.

This blog was written by Leonie Dorland. Leonie is in her second year as a Staff Worker in Exeter. She is a big fan of mince pies and Christmas decorations, and loves going for long walks with friends and listening to music.