A friend of mine, Pastor Rick McKinley, wrote a book titled Advent Conspiracy which is about the true meaning of Christmas.  In it he says, “The story of Christ’s birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.  So what happened?  What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a Savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.  And when it’s all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt,…and this empty feeling of missed purpose.  Is this what we really want out of Christmas?  What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?”

Let’s take up Rick’s challenge this season.  Do you think the lives of the shepherds of Bethlehem were ever the same again after their experience the night Jesus was born?  I doubt it!  They went all through the town telling everyone they could about what had happened.  Read about it in Luke chapter 2.  The Bible says they glorified and praised God for what they had seen and heard.  That’s the least we can do also. 

Why not invite your neighbors over for a Christmas get-together?  You can include them in your family’s Advent celebration, or have the kids act out the Christmas story.  Put out a nativity scene.  Kids love them, and when they visit your home and ask about it, you can tell them the account of Jesus’ birth.  Invite neighbors and friends to a concert or play at your church.  There are so many ways to share the Good News of Jesus Christ at this time of year.  Let’s take advantage of that.

This is Andrew Palau.