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Have you been so busy getting ready for Christmas that you’ve lost sight of its real meaning? That is easy to do. I’ve been trying to encourage all of us to see the Christmas season as an opportunity for evangelistic outreach.
Louise and Fran decided to have a Christmas party for their friends at work, and at the end of the party they gave a Christmas play, with the help of Fran’s kids. Then Louise briefly shared her testimony and closed their party in prayer.
As their guests were leaving, everyone commented on how nice the party was. Andy, Fran’s good friend from the Art Department, said to her, “This was the nicest Christmas party I’ve ever been to. Really makes you stop and remember what Christmas is all about.”
Fran noticed Janice and George kept hanging around, as though they were reluctant to leave. Finally, everyone had gone except them, and Fran said, “You guys want to have another cup of coffee before you hit the road?” She expected them to refuse, but to her surprise, they stayed. Fran sent her kids off to bed, and the four of them sat around the table.
Janice said, “Fran, thanks for inviting us. I’m really glad we’ve gotten to know each other. Your kids are so cute.”
“Thanks, Janice,” Fran says.
“I couldn’t believe how much they had memorized,” Janice comments.
“Well, they’ve been quoting the Christmas story at church since they could talk, practically, so they know it pretty good,” Fran says.
“I wish our kids…” Janice starts, then catches herself.
“What she started to say,” George adds quietly, “is that she wishes our kids went to church like yours. But, well, I just don’t believe in God so why should they waste their time? However, after watching your kids tonight, I can see how much they enjoyed it. Maybe I should let ’em go at Christmas time.”
“Oh, honey, that would be wonderful,” Janice lights up.
For over an hour Janice and George sit at the table with Fran and Louise talking about why George decided to be an atheist and why Fran and Louise believe in God and Jesus. It was an absolutely amazing conversation.
“Wow, hon, it’s after midnight,” George finally says. “We need to go.”
“I’m so glad you stayed,” Fran says. “Listen, George, why don’t you come with the family to our Christmas concert tomorrow night. We’d love to have you.”
“I don’t know,” he says, “I’ll think about it. This is kinda heavy for me.”
“Well, you think about it,” Louise says, “and we’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
As they leave, Louise and Fran take time to pray God will continue to work on George’s heart. “Underneath that tough exterior is a man who knows he doesn’t have all the answers, Fran,” Louise says, and they agree that this party was a divine appointment for George.
Look for your divine opportunities this Christmas.
