Missional Mindset on the Holidays
It seems to me the costliness and the busyness of the Holiday season justifies us to pull back into the walls of our homes and sanctuary. My calendar is already filled with parties and get togethers. The children already have a bead on what they want for Christmas and with 1 teenager and 2 preteens girls their sights are set on expensive stuff, not mention the 8 year old boy’s Christmas wishes.
It seems we have 2 great opportunities -
1. We can teach our children that Christmas is about Jesus and thus their gifts will reflect a focus on Jesus. My kids have it all anyway and they won’t go without. Their are plenty of people that need blessings this Christmas with clothes, toys, and food. Here is some stuff to get your kids excited about and where we can make a difference:
http://www.410bridge.org/410store.php
http://www.neverendinghope.org/
2. Every store clerk and restaurant staff person is going to be stressed. I don’t know why the loudest and meanest voice gets what they want, but the store clerks and restaurant staff don’t deserve the ridicule (for the most part). Tis the season to bless. Take time to bless them with a joyful voice, kindness, patience, and a willingness to bless -make a clerk care package with gum, scripture reference, and invitation to the Christmas Eve service, or tape the serenity prayer to pack of bag of Lindt’s chocolate balls, or give them a gift certificate for a Wendy’s frosty.
The cost and busyness of the holiday season opens up new opportunities to bless with the love of God.
