What a beautiful proclamation of God, in public, for all to hear. Now I know it was probably done by a large church choir from one of the largest churches in the area, but it was still a bold step and it blessed so many and told the world, at least in that mall, the real purpose of Christmas.
Why do so many of us avoid sharing our faith? A Christmas time, the Lord makes it so easy for us. He has given us our opener no matter where you are. If you’re in the office, with your extended family, in a shopping mall or among friends, all you have to do is ask the question “What are you doing for Christmas?”
When I was a public school teacher, I knew it was illegal for me to share the Gospel with my students, but I also knew I was well within my legal rights to answer a direct question from a student, even if that question allowed me to share my faith. I would always teach on traditions in the month of December. We would research traditions, write about traditions and then share about traditions. I would gather my students together and ask them to share what their family traditions were during the month of December. Even if it wasn’t politically correct I would ask “What does your family do for Christmas?” Inevitably, one of the students would turn and ask “Mrs. Norris, what does your family do for Christmas?” Because I had been asked a direct question, I was then allowed to share my faith with my class. It might have been sneaky, but it was well within the letter of the law and I was able to share Jesus.
Mark 8:38 says “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” The last thing I want is for the Lord Jesus to be ashamed of me. I want to be willing to share my faith with anyone at anytime and anywhere. It is always awkward and uncomfortable the first time you do it, but then you gain confidence and you begin to realize it isn’t up to you to save the world. Your job is simply to plant the seeds [1 Corinthians 3:6].
Take time this holiday season to ask people, those you know and those you don’t, “What are you doing for Christmas?” and see where it takes you. You may just find yourself in the middle of a divine appointment or you may find yourself singing in the mall. Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord and He will bless it and receive it [Colossians 3:17].