Sharing the Gospel at Christmas: A Call to Boldness

 

Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection. As Christians, we have the unique opportunity to share the true meaning of this season with those around us. Luke 2:17 tells us, "Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child." This verse inspires us to spread the Good News of Christ's birth and the hope it brings.

1. Be Prepared to Share Your Testimony

The shepherds in the Christmas story had a personal encounter with the newborn Jesus. Their experience transformed them, and they couldn't help but share what they had seen and heard. Similarly, our own experiences with Christ should shape our witness. Be ready to share your personal testimony of how Christ has impacted your life. God can use your story to be a powerful tool to draw others to Him, but you have to be prepared to share it. 

2. Seize Opportunities to Share the Gospel

Christmas provides many opportunities to share the gospel. Whether it's through casual conversations with friends and family, volunteering at a local charity, or participating in church events, be intentional about looking for ways to share the love of Christ. Remember, every interaction is a potential moment to plant a seed of faith.

3. Use Creative Ways to Share the Gospel

In today's digital age, there are countless creative ways to share the gospel. Consider using social media to share inspiring Christmas messages, create personalized Christmas cards with a gospel message, or organize a Christmas party with a gospel theme. Get creative and find ways to share the Good News that resonate with people's hearts.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas, let us be inspired by the shepherds' example and share the Good News with those around us. May our words and actions point others to the true meaning of Christmas – the love and salvation offered by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

All to Jesus I Surrender - The Story Behind the Song

 

If you grew up in a traditional church, you undoubtedly sung many of the verses of the hymn, "I Surrender All." It was/is a staple of the invitation portion of church and revival services. Songs of personal commitment to Christ often stem from a particular experience in the life of the author. This is a good example.

The author of the hymn, Judson Van de Venter (1855-1939) was raised on a farm near Dundee, Michigan. After graduating from Hillsdale College, he taught art in public schools in Sharon, Pennsylvania. Van Deventer was active in his Methodist Episcopal Church, including participation in revivals held at the church. He had a heart for God and a passion to share the Good News with others. Based on his fervent faith and service to the church, friends encouraged him to leave his field of teaching and become an evangelist, but it took him five years to finally "surrender all" and go into full-time ministry. He writes of the experience: 

The song was written while I was conducting a meeting at East Palestine, Ohio, and in the home of George Sebring. For some time, I had struggled between developing my talents in the field of art and going into full-time evangelistic work. At last the pivotal hour of my life came, and I surrendered all. A new day was ushered into my life. I became and evangelist and discovered down deep in my soul a talent hitherto unknown to me. God had hidden a song in my heart, and touching a tender chord, he caused me to sing. (Quoted by Kenneth Osbeck, 101 More Hymn Stories.)

After surrendering his all to the Lord, he joined the ministry of evangelist J. Wilbur Chapman. His ministry took him to various places in the United States, England, and Scotland. In his life he wrote around 75 hymns, but his most famous is also his most personal. Judson Van de Venter surrendered his all to the Lord, and the Lord is still using this man's works to impact the world for the kingdom of God. 

You never know what God will do through one moment of surrender!