'Tis the Season!

By all accounts, we are officially entering into the holiday season, with Thanksgiving just a few days away and Christmas not far behind! For many, the holiday season means excitement and merriment. For some, it means a time of loneliness or stress. But for us, as Christ-followers, it is an opportunity, scratch that, the biggest opportunity for any Christian, for any church to reach and extend a hand of compassion to a world's needs. It's the time of the year when pretty much anyone will give church a glance and a chance. If you're part of a church, don't let this opportunity pass by. There's someone in your life that needs to hear about Jesus. Someone in your path that can be served by someone who truly knows Jesus. And you are the one they'll hear it from. You are the one who can serve them... maybe the only one!

With economic and relational challenges at an all-time high, let's make it a priority to meet those needs in people's lives during these hard times. What an opportunity to meet the GREATEST NEED... the need for spiritual fulfillment an completeness. Invite them to church to hear about Christ. Invite them to hear your story. Invite them into your life and relationship with Christ. People will have doubts, but through your heart of compassion and care you can put many of those doubts to rest.

And if you are a Christ follower, know that people everywhere are praying for you. I'm praying for you. With our economy the way it is, this is going to be a more difficult season than many in the past, but also a greater opportunity than ever before to be the heart, the hands, the feet of Christ!

And when you face challenges this season... whether relationally, financially, spiritually, or emotionally, recognize those things for what they are. Attacks. Most of all, don't let those challenges keep you from what God has called you to do this season!

Because remember, you are part of the Christ family and we have been called to be a force of influence in our world... Let's do more than just wish people a Merry Christmas this season... let's show them how to have a full life in Christ!!