Home for the Holidays

Thanksgiving is now a recent memory and I am sure you remembered again all the things for which you are thankful, most importantly the gracious free gift of salvation that has been offered to us all through Christ’s death on the cross and resurrection. You can also give thanks for the wonderful opportunity that most of us will have throughout this holiday season to spend time with our family and closest friends. For most of us this includes dear loved ones who don’t know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Could there be a better time to share with our loved ones. The holidays present so many chances to do so, not only in word but in deed.

First, I suggest you continue to pray (or begin praying) for those friends and family you know need Jesus in their life. If you are like me, you have them written down on the Top Ten cards that were handed out here maybe two years ago now.(if you don't go to my church you probably don't have one) If you don’t have them written down, take the time to make a list and add them to your daily prayers. Second, pray for God to give you opportunity to share with them and to give you the courage and words to speak when that opportunity comes. Lastly, find a way to spend time with them doing more than just opening gifts and sharing a meal if possible. Invite them to come with you to any of many ministry opportunities throughout the holidays.

Ask them to come with you to the Christmas Cantata, the Christmas Drama, the Sanctuary Bells Concert, the Men’s Breakfast, or perhaps to the Young Adult or Junior or Senior High Christmas party. These are just some of the events that are going on at my church, I am sure there are many at your church as well and there are definitely even more opportunities in all of our neighborhoods. Perhaps you know of a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter where you and your family or friends could lend a hand for just an hour or two.

Jesus is the Reason for the Season has basically become a secular saying in recent years at Christmas time; sadly it isn’t becoming so because everyone realizes and values the true meaning of that statement. Lets all try to do our part throughout this holiday season to help those who don’t know the real meaning of that statement. Pray, prepare, seek out opportunities, invite, and then pray some more. May God Bless you all richly during this Christmas season.