Extending the Invitation

Extending the Invitation
Author: Jason Baily, Technology Director
He Will Be Called - Part 3
Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus.
— Hebrews 12:1-2
I love the week before Christmas! As you can imagine, church can be a bit hectic this time of year. It’s fun to watch everyone scurry about the building, decorating feverishly as they go. Nothing puts you in the Christmas spirit like listening to Adam and Brandy playfully bicker back and forth about things like Christmas tree placement. (Just kidding!) It is a busy but exciting time around The Ridge as we finish preparations for our Christmas services. As I watched my wife, a music teacher and choir director, slowly descend into madness as she prepared her 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students for the annual holiday chorus concert, it was a not-so-subtle reminder that EVERYONE is busy this time of year.

If you are reading or listening to this devotional, my guess is you are at least somewhat familiar with the story of Jesus’ birth, and I imagine you are also excited for the season. Attending a Christmas service may be a given in your home. But what about your colleague? How about a family member or friend? Think about a person in your life who doesn’t attend church regularly. Maybe he or she doesn’t know much about Jesus. That is where you step in.

This time of year provides something much more than holiday spirit, gifts, and parties. It presents an opportunity to invite someone to church who wouldn’t normally attend. 

Revelation 3:20 reads, Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me.

Not everyone is comfortable witnessing to friends and family, but we are fine with inviting people to different events. So, why not invite them to a Christmas service? This time of year provides something much more than holiday spirit, gifts, and parties. It presents an opportunity to invite someone to church who wouldn’t normally attend. 

This is your chance. I challenge you to ask God if there is someone specific you should invite. Maybe you have invited this friend in the past so you are apprehensive about doing it again. Do it anyway. Call your friend and give them the times of the services. If you are under 40, send a text. You never know, maybe this is the year they take you up on your invitation.

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