As I write this post today, we sit just one week away from celebrating Christmas. Over the past few weeks I have been bringing you an encouraging challenge to help keep your hearts focused on Jesus throughout the Christmas Holiday season. I hope you have taken time out of your busy schedule to reflect on the miracle in the manager; the precious Gift of Jesus, born in Bethlehem, and wrapped in love just for you.
This past week I was engaged in an interesting conversation with an older women. We were both waiting to be seen by our Chiropractor, and we began to chat with one another in the waiting room. We were talking about Christmas. It wasn’t long before she openly expressed that she was not sure many people even know what Christmas is all about. This seemed to me, to be a strange statement coming from someone living in America.
I proceeded to engage her in a deeper conversation about the thought she had just shared with me. She went on to explain; she recalled as a child, “religion” had been “crammed down her throat”, so she was reluctant to do the same when she was raising her son. She went on to say she now realizes that her son, who is now a dad himself, hasn’t taught his son who Jesus is.
I was so saddened to hear that there was a young boy, living in my community, who had no exposure to Jesus. I asked her if they celebrate Christmas, and she said “oh sure, only there is no mention of Jesus”. My heart cried as I listened to her speak. I could tell she was heartbroken as well.
She also expressed, she is very conscious not to bring up Jesus in conversation with them, as not to step on anyone’s’ toes, and bring offense. I then discussed with her my viewpoint regarding this issue. I shared that I am more concerned with offending God, by not freely sharing about Jesus, then I am about offending someone else. She took a moment and reflected on my statement, and then replied, “ I never thought about it that way before”.
I ask you today, are you reluctant to share the love of Jesus with others because you are concerned with offending someone’s feelings?
I pray this is not the case, however, I realize this is a reality for so many. Unfortunately, this is an epidemic in the Christian community. Many people rationalize “ keeping God in a box”, thereby, creating an environment free of Jesus’ influence.
I want to take this moment to remind you, not only is it essential to keep Jesus the center of Christmas, it is also a command from God that we keep Jesus the center of our lives. God requires us to go and make disciples. How can we do this, if we are bound with fear, preventing us from speaking to others about Jesus? We must change this in today’s culture.
Be encouraged, look at those who are within your sphere of influence. Family, co-workers, and community. How may you bring Jesus into your daily conversations? It is easier than you may think, ask the Holy Spirit, He will help you.
There are people who cross your path consistently, that do not know the love of God. Are you willing to allow God to use you to spread the Good News of The Gospel?
Take the opportunity this week to be intentional about bringing Jesus into your everyday conversations. If you practice now, after Christmas it will be much easier to continue this as a regular routine.
Someone is waiting to hear that Jesus loves them. Will you open your heart, and ask God to give you a boldness, to unapologetically share the truth of Jesus’ love with others?
Sharing about Jesus is not reserved for ministers and pastors, it is a commission to all who call themselves Christians.
The best gift you can give anyone this Christmas, is the hope and love that comes through knowing Jesus as their personal savior.
Jesus loves you and I love you. Merry Christmas!
-Lucy Ann
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