Share the faith

Revd Canon Ian Knox has some words of advice to help us share the gospel with older people this Christmas

Challenges. Let me not pretend that this is easy. It is hard to change as you get older. It is hard to see that a lifetime has not been lived as it should as far as God is concerned. So, we say things like “I’ve done my best”, or “I’ve never done anyone any harm”, not realising that neither of these is really true! As we get older it is hard to face loneliness, bereavement and ageing. It is hard to face up to the fact that one day we will die, although we know we will and we think about it quite often.

There are some pitfalls to avoid as well. If someone is younger, they should not even say that they understand what it is like to be old and real humility is needed. How can you know what it is like to be 80 when you are 25? There needs to be a genuine respect. Never underestimate the knowledge and the intelligence of an older person – we have learnt quite a lot in our lifetime, often through our mistakes but also through quite a few little triumphs. To treat an older person like a child is extremely ungracious. My 99-year-old mother-in-law was as bright as a button, even though physically she could do very little. She died a couple of months ago with all her faculties. At least we now have a chance of winning at Scrabble!

Potential. We have so much with which we can bless an older person. They can have peace with God, know His forgiveness and enjoy the certainty of heaven. I would share these things especially:

God’s presence. “Even to your old age I am the Lord, and to grey hairs I will carry you. I have made and I will bear; I will carry and save”. These beautiful words from Isaiah 46:4 show how it is not too late to become a Christian when you are old and also that God will be around for you. They are a constant consolation for me. Every Sunday my wife, Ruth, and I have a couple of widows round to our home for lunch. They value not only our friendship but the constant companionship of Jesus. It is great to share His love with them and with others we know who are lonely and bereaved.

God’s peace. When I went to see my friend and neighbour, Basil, as he lay dying in hospital, I asked him if he had the assurance that all was well. He wept as he told me that all his churchgoing was only in his head and that he did not know Jesus in his heart. I was able to share with him the words from John 14 about Jesus having a place for us. We held hands as he prayed to trust his heart to our Lord. He died a couple of days later – and all was well.

For you, me, and all with whom we share our faith this Christmas time, may the words of Psalm 71:18 be true: “Even to old age and grey hairs, oh God, do not forsake me”. We have good news to share – let’s do it!