Presenting Christ

It's the first weekend in December... which means it's time once again, or the 19th time for those keeping count, that my church has presented it's biggest production event of the year, to our community... a drive-through presentation of the Christmas story. Last night, probably close to 400 cars went through... annually, roughly 5000 people will be presented wiith the life and message of Christ.

As people wait in line, with pizza, and are later greeted with hot cocoa and cookies (the line for this event started an hour before the gates opened) I can't help but keep considering the effect that is accomplished by those who genuinely go above and beyond to show kindness and generousity to those they dont' know.

It's awesome to see people's responses.

I experienced a similar phenomenon last month, at the event for pastors. I took the opportunity to hand out business cars with the www.pray4pastors.com address, to let pastors and church leaders know they were being prayed for on a daily basis. In kind, the response of many was one of pleasant surprise. People loved the idea, appreciated the gesture and smiled in kindness and thankful that someone would consider their well-being and take action in an effort to help.

Of course, we are imperfect people with busy schedules, lots on our minds and to-do lists and struggles and frustrations along the way. Thus, even in church, we as a people struggle to show the love of Christ in tangible ways by stepping outside of ourselves and sharing kindness and generousity to those around us with a genuine and heart-felt "God blesss you."

Yet, the incredible happens when we remain open to be used by God to make an impact on those around, even when it calls for sacrifice from us and from our lives.

While difficult, it's worth it... even if we never see the reward this side of eternity.

Pray, this #communitySaturday, that the church would always be ready and willing to be tangible extensions of love and grace of Christ. Pray we would not be so consumed in the busy-ness of life, that we would fail to consider how we may be blessing to those around us, even if it does require a sarcrifice on our part, whether great or small, through our time, talent or treasure. May our interactions with the community, be genuine, heart-felt and sincere; abounding in love and speaking truth.  Pray the frustrations and struggles of life would not dissuade us from desiring to be used by God, impacting our communities with the gospel of Christ.

For it is no longer us,
But Christ living through us.
That people may see Him
When they engage with us.
For the cause of Jesus Christ
To God be the glory.

- PNC

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