The following is a blog I edited slightly, by Amy Hauptman, that I thought was relevant to my blog last week on evangelism. Let her counsel seep into your bones this Christmas day.
Jesus did not come for Christmas pageants, Christmas trees, or cookies. And he didn’t come for Advent wreaths, live camels, gingerbread houses, or Christmas light shows in sync with the Trans Siberian Orchestra.
Jesus’ Mission Statement Jesus told us why he came. He came into the world for this:
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)
It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Mark 2:17)
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. . . . I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:7, 9-10)
So, Here’s a Thought
As Christians, we must not forget the primary reason that Jesus came.
We must not get so caught up in the celebration of Christmas that we end up worshiping our celebrations rather than our Savior.
Our celebrations can easily become our focus, causing us to forget about the many lost, lonely and hurting people out there—people who have been that way for a long time.
While we might be thinking about inviting our non-Christian friends to our Christmas pageants or Christmas services this year, what if we did something different?
What if we invited them over for dinner instead? Or out to lunch this week?
When Jesus was on this earth, he didn’t spend much time inviting unbelievers to local church services. He went to them and into their world.
How about sending someone we know who’s struggling financially, an extravagant, anonymous gift?
How about visiting a widow in a rest home who will have a lonely Christmas if you don’t? What if you went up to a stranger visiting your church and took them out for coffee?
What about writing someone who may need it, a note of encouragement?
Giving Light to Everyone Jesus left us with a pretty good example of what it means to be a light in the darkness. That’s who he was and is: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” he said.
So this Christmas season, may we not hide “the light of life” under our church roofs and behind our church walls . . .
Or in wrapped-up boxes . . .
Or behind twinkling Christmas ornaments . . .
Or under our Advent wreath . . .
Or inside our joyful Christmas carols . . .
Let’s remember who Jesus came for: Those who are lost and stumbling in the dark. Those who are looking for the light.
And let us go to them, sharing the good news of who Jesus is and helping them find the true light of the world.
Today is Christmas, so what gift will you give to “the least of these?” You think they are too busy this week? Think again!
How following Jesus works in real life.
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