In the midst of the bustling holiday season, Hobby Lobby, the beloved Christian company renowned for its arts and crafts retail shops, has once again captured the essence of Christmas with its awe-inspiring 2023 holiday ad. While other retailers scramble to push their products, Hobby Lobby stays true to its mission, putting the spotlight squarely on Christ and the true reason for the season.
With over 1000 stores spread across the United States, Hobby Lobby’s commitment to “honoring the Lord in all we do by operating the company in a manner consistent with biblical principles” is evident in every facet of their operations. They believe in “providing a return on the family’s investment, sharing the Lord’s blessings with our employees, and investing in our community.” And this commitment shines brightly in their Christmas message.
The heartwarming ad features a simple yet powerful message: “Glory to the Newborn King.” Beneath these words lies a breathtaking image of baby Jesus nestled in a humble manger, bathed in the gentle light of the famous star that once illuminated the town of Bethlehem. In the background, the night sky comes alive with a celestial display of splendor.
Below this poignant depiction, the ad includes a verse from the Old Testament book of Isaiah 9:6, a prophecy foretelling the birth of Christ: “And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
What makes this ad even more special is its wide-reaching impact. It will grace every town where a Hobby Lobby store is located, touching the hearts of communities across the nation. The company is also grateful for the advent of social media, allowing thousands more to view and share this message of hope.
To understand the roots of this heartwarming tradition, we need to go back to 1995. That Christmas season, David Green, the founder of Hobby Lobby, was reading through holiday advertisements, including those for his own stores. It was during this moment that he felt a divine calling to do something different. Despite selling a myriad of crafts used to celebrate Christmas, there was a noticeable absence of testimony in the newspapers regarding the true meaning of the holiday.
Responding to this divine commission in 1996, David Green crafted a simple newspaper ad that began with a profound message: “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 to find a Bible-believing church in your community and discover a relationship this Christmas with the God who loves you more than you can begin to imagine.”
From that pivotal moment, Hobby Lobby embarked on decades of creating impactful newspaper ads that celebrate the true meanings of Christmas, Easter, and Independence Day. These messages continue to resonate today, and they are shared here for all to enjoy.
Hobby Lobby’s unwavering commitment to its Christian values and its dedication to spreading the message of Christ’s birth have made its Christmas ad a cherished tradition for millions of Americans. In a world often dominated by commercialism during the holiday season, Hobby Lobby’s heartfelt tribute reminds us all to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of the Newborn King.
