So few things happen well without planning or thought. I hope you’re in a “Thanksgiving” mindset as we approach the school break and the days with family. It’s my favorite holiday, and each year our sons tell us how much they enjoy that season (even more than Christmas). But when we finish next week, we will all be sprinting for the end of the year, so I want to plant a seed with you.

Every study I have seen says that people respond to personal invitations. Several women remarked that it was hard to walk into the Women’s conference alone last weekend. Confident people, successful people, and strong people still find walking into a church for any event a bit difficult, especially if you are alone. Yet, the Christmas season of worship services we will host in December is critically important for sharing the Gospel. Every week will be a chance for your family, neighbors, co-workers, or sports team parents to hear about Jesus’ great love for them. But they need an invitation from you. Even better, they need you to meet them in the atrium and take them to your seats.

Will you invite someone for Christmas this year? Make a plan. Who do you know that needs to be included at Christmas? Who doesn’t know why Jesus came? On December 7, we will start a series called “Presents or Presence?” I’m praying for those friends who need to know Christ. Let’s work to give them the best “present” of history–Jesus’ presence in their lives!