Hope of Glory

Christ our hope of glory is celebrated this time of year. I heard an excellent broadcast from “Focus on the Family” recently. It went into the history of Christmas. I lose details faster than I collect them sometimes, but I remember the jest of it. The summation was that today we celebrate a mix of two holidays. The first holiday is that of Christ birth, the second is about Saint Nicolas, together they make Christmas (a retailers dream!). It makes sense to me. And rather than butcher how they came to that conclusion I’ll try and find a link. I found it! It's a broadcast: Focus on the Family Daily, 11/29/2012

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/popups/media_player.aspx

There are of course deeper historic roots of Christmas if you dig. Now, back to my thought.

That was the introduction. This is to remind us that the Christmas season is the greatest open door to share the gospel we have, other than perhaps Easter. Take that chance and share the faith delivered to us. Sometimes we are looking for an instant acceptance of this good news, yet that rarely happens out of the blue. Since we are called to make disciples, not converts, I’m not so sure the instant Christianity happens that much (but it does happen!).

The statistics on how many Christians share their faith is embarrassing. I’m not trying to guilt anyone into it either. Think for a minute. Don't think about the list of gifts or the parties to go, or the guest list for yours. Think about the gift you already have. Then think about sharing it. Jesus is changing our destiny from hell to heaven, is it good news or not? Is it worth sharing or the little time it takes?

Taking the time and having the obedience of spreading the good news of Jesus is not optional. Pastor, evangelist, elders, and deacons are of course going to spread the gospel (I hope). Yet, it is all Christians (Jesus followers and doers) responsibility and privilege.

Christmas songs are everywhere. The seeds are already planted in peoples minds. So say this, “hey, here’s the story about the guy we’re celebrating.” Then hand them a book of John and ask them to read it. Go further in telling them more if they are willing or the Spirit of God prompts you. It’s really easy right now.

So, you've got all this down, but you’re afraid. So am I. Every time I approach someone, it’s like walking out onto a stage. And I have stage fright! But I know that the power that is in me is greater that which is in this world. The Holy Spirit doesn't hang you out to dry either. Even if you botch it, or so you think, God’s Spirit can trump you. If you let God’s word out of your mouth or hand it out in print. He promises it will not come back void.

“The Lord says, “My thoughts are not like your thoughts.
    Your ways are not like my ways.
 Just as the heavens are higher than the earth,

 so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.
 Rain and snow fall from the sky
    and don’t return without watering the ground.
They cause the plants to sprout and grow,
    making seeds for the farmer
    and bread for the people.
The same thing is true of the words I speak.
    They will not return to me empty.
They make the things happen that I want to happen,
    and they succeed in doing what I send them to do.”

Isaiah 55:8-11 NCV