Craig Clouston

 Only Seven Shopping Days Left!

The holy one born to you will be called the Son of God.

Luke 1:35

Jodie and Mattie were at the mall to find a present for their mother. Among some trinkets, Mattie noticed a small nativity. It was perfect! At the checkout counter, the cashier asked, “Did you find everything you were looking for? There’s only seven shopping days left, you know!” Her bubbly attitude made the girls smile. Jodie looked at the young cashier and said, “Did you know that seven is God’s perfect number?”

The girl looked uneasy. “I don’t know much about that,” she said. “I never spent much time in church.” Shifting her focus back to the nativity, she scanned it and then curiously asked, “Why do Christians make such a big deal over a simple holiday?”

Recognizing the girl’s question was sincere, Mattie said, “Because without that day, we would all be destined to spend eternity in hell.”

Jodie asked, “Has anybody ever talked to you about Jesus and the meaning of Christmas?”

“My daddy didn’t allow talk about Jesus in our house.” She appeared embarrassed. “He said that Christianity was just a fairy tale, conjured up by weaklings who can’t deal with life on its own terms.”

Seeing they were holding up the line but not wanting to pass up an opportunity, Mattie asked the girl for her e-mail address. After trading contact info, the sisters left, promising to stay in touch and share the reason they celebrate Christmas.

†

Divine appointments like this are not uncommon. God will give us ample opportunities to witness His love if we look for them. Many Christians have the misguided notion that everyone they encounter has surely heard of Jesus. That’s just not true. For with each generation, much of society slips a little further from God.

Part of our salvation experience is learning to share Jesus with those who have never met Him. Not knowing who they are, we must constantly be on the lookout.

Jesus came to set us free from sin and death. He has asked for our help in telling others the good news of the gospel.

Prayer

“Lord, give me a gentle boldness to tell others about what Christmas means to me. Make me aware of each opportunity You bring my way. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”