A year or two ago, I hunted for a new nativity scene decoration in the shops. I could get Father Christmases on trains, deers and elves. Now I know I could shop on line, but I like to see, touch and get an idea of size and make a stand for wanting Jesus to be a part of Christmas (He’s in the name of the festival, after all!).
It’s the same with Christmas cards. I realise that sending cards is being replaced by email greetings, but I still like the physicality of the card and using them as decorations in preparation and anticipation in the run up to the great day. But cards with nativity scenes seem to be getting rarer and rarer. I appreciate they aren’t always accurate – the Three Kings probably didn’t visit the stable – were there three anyway? The baby wouldn’t have been blond and blue-eyed; the stable wouldn’t have been clean and blood free. But it’s the principle …. Christmas belongs to Christ.
Where can we find him? A recent survey from the Evangelical Alliance was set up to identify how people are finding Jesus and coming to faith. The second most recognised way was ‘observing and listening to Christians’. 29% of participants said that their faith journey started as they saw how Christians faith impacted their life, 29% also said that it was after a Christian spoke to them about their faith and 36% said it was time and conversations with a specific Christian friend that helped them.
What a challenge for us as Christians! People are looking for Jesus in us – how we live, what we say, giving them our time. And amazingly, many are finding Him.
Lord Jesus,
As we begin our preparations for Christmas, shine through our lives that others searching for You will find Your Light through us. May we say the words about You that our friends need to hear. May we be generous with our time even though there are demands on us from all directions. May this coming advent be a time when You come personally and turn lives around.
Amen