‘Tis the Season!

John Hopper— 

I love so much about Thanksgiving and Christmas. The smell and taste of foods we only enjoy once a year. Songs that stir up memories of years gone by. Laughing with family over the stupidest things we’ve done all year. Surprising people with both big and little gifts. 

But over time, I’ve come to love something else about these holidays: they create natural opportunities to build friendships, extend an invitation, or bring up Jesus. 

Sometimes that looks like:  

• Hosting a neighborhood Christmas party that includes the Christmas story. 
• Welcoming old friends and new acquaintances around a Thanksgiving table where we pray for them. 
• Extending a friendly invitation to a Christ-centered Christmas event. 
• Sharing an unhurried breakfast with someone who saved all their vacation days for the end of the year. 
• Offering a simple explanation of Christmas to someone who’s never understood it. 
• Giving a thoughtful gift to someone with whom I hope to grow a deeper relationship in the coming year. 

Not every attempt is met with open arms, of course. But I’ve found that something about this season makes people just a little more likely to say yes. 

So, what if this year, instead of only planning the big meal or scrambling to find one more gift for the person who already has everything, you ask God who He wants you to reach out to this Thanksgiving and Christmas?  

I’m convinced there’s someone—and who knows, it might set you (and them) up for a great New Year. 

John Hopper is the Executive Director of REACH, the author of Questioning God and Giving Jesus Away, a lover of a great family, and a big fan of tennis.