Christian and up for a party. How to act at your work's Christmas bash

Ruth Bull, Reader in Bredbury and spouse to the Revd Andy Bull, reflects on how a work's Christmas party when she was 21 turned out to be an unexpected opportunity to show to her colleagues what it means to be Christian. 
 

"The season of Christmas parties is upon us, that time of year where, as the wine flows, even the most reserved colleague may throw caution to the wind, behaving in a manner that makes them wonder if they will still have a job in the morning...

I remember my first experience of a works Christmas party... I was 21, fresh out of university, newly married, and working as a civilian for the police. My department was always invited to the CID Christmas party, and from the outset, it was evident that it could be a pretty messy event. To my colleagues' great surprise, I decided I would only go if I could take my husband with me. They cautioned me it was really not the 'done thing' and no-one else would be there with their partners, but never-the-less they allowed him in...

If your experience is anything like mine, as a Christian, a works party can feel like a very awkward place to be. On the one hand, we want to have a good time and not be a party-pooper, but on the other, we know that what we say and do matters. 

My work environment at the time was tough, people were thrown together in stressful situations, often for long shifts and there were a lot of affairs. In that environment, I wanted to be a distinctive ambassador for Christ; inviting my husband along too made a statement that my marriage was important to me.

Of course I couldn't control what went on that night, but I could hand it over to God, praying over the festivities beforehand; for people's safety, for God's will to be done, for myself to do a good job at being salt and light, recognising where people needed support and help, and being a vessel of God's love and good tidings to those around me, whatever state they were in. I could offer a glass of water if someone was a little worse for wear, or ensure my colleagues got home safely.

People are often more open at a party, and while it is probably not the place for an exegesis of the nativity story, Christmas provides a natural talking point and opportunity to invite people to Christmas events at church. After all, what's the worst that could happen - they might change the subject or not come, but then again... they just might!

Yes, that first Christmas work's party was messy... but actually we also had fun. We had conversations we wouldn't have had in the normal day's work, conversations that continued in the days and weeks that followed, and friendships with my colleagues were deeper as a result of my being there."

Photo by Ben Konfrst on Unsplash


"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Page last updated: Monday 17th December 2018 3:48 PM
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