As an educator and teacher, and a writer of young adult fiction, I discovered quickly if I wanted to relate and converse with my students and my readers on a regular basis I would have to join social media sites.  Facebook is the social networking site of choice for nearly all the people I know, although many youth are now turning more towards Instagram and SnapChat, probably because all their parents are now using Facebook :).  Initially when I started using Facebook I was hooked on the time-wasting applications and games, but mostly I interacted with friends and family regularly checking their statuses etc.  Through the years, Facebook has helped me promote my writing as well as continue to interact with people around the world who do not feel comfortable talking face-face about spiritual things but have no qualms about Facebooking me if they have questions.  I have discovered that Facebook is a rather unique tool that can be used to disciple and minister and even evangelize with.

With over a billion users, Facebook is the largest social networking site world-wide.  Most of the users are youth – young adult age, although Baby Boomers and Seniors are well represented who use Facebook as well.

Now, I would be remiss if I didn’t add a disclaimer here.  As with any kind of online activity, parents MUST be diligent in ensuring children’s safety on Facebook.  There is questionable material, apps, advertising etc., that is not appropriate for  teens (let alone adults).  Privacy settings must be updated regularly.  Parents, talk with your teens about using Facebook and monitor their activity there.  Remember, “the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion, waiting to devour” (1 Peter 5:8)  Facebook has its share of “lions”.  Be on your guard!

That said, Facebook, if utilized correctly by Christians, has the potential to reach millions and millions of people with the Gospel.  I have noticed, especially around Christmas, that status updates, postings and the like flood Facebook with the message of hope and peace that is only found in the person of Jesus Christ.

This video was sent to me recently on Facebook and I found it to be so creative and original I felt I had to share it with my readers.  Please feel free to pass along the link to my blog to all of your Facebook friends and let’s flood Facebook this Christmas and throughout the year with the life-giving message of “Peace on earth, good will to men!”

Merry Christmas!