Jesus is for life, not just Christmas!

It’s a beautiful summery day today, which at one level is lovely, but at another level, it’s weird because even though it’s September, I am writing my article for this November’s Direction, and my theme is Christmas. And as you read it, today’s lovely weather is not only a distant memory, it’s also a distant dream, as you already find yourself thinking, “It’s cold, can’t wait for the sun.”

All that said, it’s Christmas next month, and this wonderful season is still one of the best times of the year for telling people about Jesus.

By now, your church has planned some great Christmas events. Michael Bublé is the first of my most recently played Spotify list as I am getting ready for the first of 14 Christmas events ranging from comedy at Christmas to carol services. I am really looking forward to sharing the amazing message of Christmas: “The Word became flesh and lived amongst us”– it’s the most beautiful thought. I find singing the Christmas carols really emotional.

In 1978, the Dogs Trust (then known as the National Canine Defence League) was concerned as it became popular for people to give puppies to family and friends at Christmas, which sadly were abandoned very soon after. Clarissa Baldwin was tasked with creating a slogan to seek to bring change. “A dog is for life, not just for Christmas” was released.

As we enter this season, let’s make sure that we show that Jesus really is for life and not just for Christmas. Let’s grab the opportunity we have to tell as many of our friends and family that Jesus really does transform lives, that he really does bring to our lives what we need. Now I realise that sometimes that can be a little tricky for some. Well, fear not (at the risk of quoting a certain angel); I have made it easy for you!

I have taken well-known phrases and things associated with Christmas to share some wonderful thoughts around how Jesus makes sense of life. It’s illustrated by my friend Andy Gray, an award-winning illustrator, and even though I do say so myself, it’s a great book for anyone, not just for people who aren’t yet Jesus’ followers.

I have set myself a personal challenge to give everyone in my street a copy as part of my own personal evangelism.

To get yourself a copy, head to revmarkgreenwood.com/shop, where you can order one or even a number of copies. Why not reach your street with this truly remarkable message, that Jesus is for life, not just for Christmas.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.
 

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