The season of Christmas provides the best opportunities to bridge the gap. It ?s a time when families come together, despite their dysfunction. It ?s a time when communities come together, despite their differences. It ?s the time when the most people are made aware of the name of Jesus, whether they recognize who he is or not. It ?s the best time for Christians to share the joy of Jesus in the most diverse ways possible.
Because the world focuses on the gift-giving aspect of Christmas, Christians can focus on the gift-giving aspect of God ?s love for the world. Most people welcome gifts with joy, and if Christians can celebrate with joy the love of God for the world, the world may be more receptive to the message of John 3:16, ?For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ?
Because the world is in awe of the spectacle of its celebration of Christmas, Christians can add to the wonder by telling the story of the birth of Jesus. Come on, angels? That ?s cool! If Christians can get excited about the nativity story that we know and love, then maybe the world can become excited and more receptive to the angel ?s message of Luke 2:10 ?The angel said to them, ?Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Because the world seems to be hungry for hope and willing to believe that there can be hope despite the tragedies of war, poverty, crime, and broken families, Christians can help satisfy that hunger by celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace. If Christians can live joyfully with their hope in God, perhaps the world will be more receptive to the message of Romans 15:13 ?May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”