Getting Christmas

“I get it, I get it!”

The joy and volume of her outburst distracted my attention as I stood nearby, but I was glad. This all happened on Main Street last weekend after our Saturday night service as folks mingled. What I quickly came to understand was that this lady was a new believer, and she had just figured out Christmas. How cool is that?

Apparently she, like a lots of folks, had grown up thinking that Christmas was about Santa, gifts and family. She had never really understood that Christmas was about the Father’s love and pursuit of her. She had not grasped that Jesus had humbly become a human to rescue her from her sins and restore her heart. I wish you could have seen her face beam—from “death to life” was written all over it.

I don’t know all the elements that led to her redemption, but let me suggest the likely scenario—one that is being repeated more and more often at Covenant.

First, someone at Covenant has been loving on her, praying for her and being the hands and feet of Jesus in her life. They might work with her, or they might be her neighbor. They could be a family member or an old school friend. It is very likely they have an established relationship with her and have been spending time meeting her needs, whatever they may be.

Second, this Covenant Jesus-follower most likely extended an invitation to her to come to church. Maybe Saturday night was the best time. Maybe she has a few children, and our Saturday night Children’s Ministry was just the right fit. Truthfully, the vast majority of our guests don’t just wander in—someone invites and brings them.

Third, hundreds of Covenant Jesus-followers provided for this woman’s new life in Christ. Main Street and our new campus now exist because of the generosity of our church family. We expanded so we could reach folks we had not yet met, and she is one! Hundreds also share their tithes and offerings weekly so we can turn on the lights, resource ministries and benefit from coordinating ministry coaches. This is God’s plan for the local church as is detailed in the Word.

Lastly, and most importantly, the Holy Spirit has been at work in her life. In the midst of the first three realities, God’s Spirit has been chasing her and convincing her heart of the Truth. Ministry is an amazing partnership of God’s power and our faithful energy.

So, when you come to church this Christmas Eve (5 or 7pm), look around you. There is at least one person in God’s house who gets it for the first time. Now that’s something to rejoice about!

Wowed by the Manger,
Charlie