Since 1996, Hobby Lobby has shared faith through advertising
Since its founding, Hobby Lobby, the retail giant with over 1,000 locations across the continental United States has sought to put God first, honor him in their business, and when the opportunity arises to share faith.
And there is really no better time to share the message of faith than at Christmas, when people are thinking about giving, singing Christmas carols and spreading good cheer. Almost 30 years ago, Hobby Lobby founder, David Green noticed despite all the Christmas ads including their own, not one ad mentioned the real meaning of the Christmas season. So he decided to do something about it. And for the last nearly 30 years, he has taken out ads in major newspapers that simply share the good news of Christ during the Christmas season.
Hobby Lobby announced this year’s ad campaign stating it’s a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. In large letters, the ad states: “Glory to the Newborn King” and follows up with a Scripture reference and direct quote of Isaiah 9:6. The ad pictures baby Jesus lying in a manger with a lamb next to him and a bright star over him. “This ad serves as a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas and celebrates what millions of people around the world and for centuries have considered a turning point in human history—the birth of Jesus Christ.”
Hobby Lobby’s first ad campaign to promote the true meaning of Christmas started back in 1996 with the words: “As you celebrate this Christmas season in the warmth of family and home, may you be drawn to the Savior; He who left the beauty of Heaven on our behalf and became like us, that we might become like Him. If you know Jesus as your Savior, then this season already has a special meaning. If you do not, we encourage you find a Bible-believing church in your community, and to discover a relationship this Christmas with the God who loves you more than you can begin to imagine.”
Since ’96 the retailer has placed full color ads pointing people to Jesus ever since.
These ads have been used by God to point people to Jesus at one of the most mission critical times for the Christian church. In each of the ads people are encouraged to respond and reach out for prayer to Need Him Global Ministries, which began as a collaborative of Christian evangelistic ministries including Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Campus Crusade for Christ, Moody Broadcasting, Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, and Luis Palau Evangelical Association.
Steve Green, President of Hobby Lobby, tells the story of the company’s history of publishing holiday ads in his book Faith in America.
In addition to the direct meaning of Christmas ads, Hobby Lobby’s other advertising campaigns promoting family values and giving have also gone viral, spreading holiday cheer.
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