Talk about “fly buys”, yes, another year has just flown by, a year of ups and downs. But taking time to look back, we have so much to be thankful for. For me to be alive is a privilege, good health (with some of the creaks and groans of old age thrown in), three good meals a day, a supportive family, beautiful country and wonderful friends. It’s hard to restrain yourself as you think about it. God is so good and what better time than Christmas to acknowledge his goodness.
A great time to think about families. Start with Challenge. In the office we have a wonderful team doing a great job. I enjoy writing my column to you each week and would burst if I wasn’t able to comment on the news and share the passion of my heart. How patient you are letting me do this. Each subscriber, prayer partner and advertiser makes what we do possible and worthwhile. Thank you for being part of the Challenge family.
Alongside the encouragement we feel, balancing the books keeps us on our toes. We are not on our own in that. Many churches, ministries, families and small businesses are just managing to keep their heads above water. Some face financial disaster, those with nothing struggle to survive. Many face trauma, marriage breakdown, tragedy, sickness or bereavement, things that arrive uninvited. Throw into the mix international uncertainty and nearer home the Pike River disaster, the Rena, the slip on the Manawatu Gorge Road and the immense impact of earthquake-battered Christchurch. A demanding year indeed.
Fortunately there have been some welcome distractions.
The euphoria of winning the Rugby World Cup, hosting visitors from so many countries, the General Election and Christmas goodwill and presents. For all we say or think about Christmas, Jesus’ birthday brings friends and families together. Greetings fly, acquaintances are refreshed and it gives a reason to say thank-you. This morning a courier dropped a parcel at the front door — appreciation from a friend we seldom get alongside these days.
But what excites me more is that this year there has been an increased passion for evangelism. A church I visited on Sunday night stated its passion and purpose, “to seek and save the lost”. Many similar, larger churches and organisations too are actively reaching out. Promise Keepers, the Greg Laurie outreach and the Alpha posters on churches of all flavours demonstrate Christians working together. But it doesn’t end there. The fruit of evangelism is seen as Christians practice their faith and help their neighbours. The church in action, personified by the Salvation Army and other such groups, who with sleeves rolled up are there in times of personal and community need.
But being a Christian is more than just doing good. It often comes with a price tag. However nice and neighbourly we seek to be there are many who are offended by the gospel. We are increasingly receiving reports from around the world of Christians, even aid workers and missionaries who seek only to do good, being attacked, ostracised, vilified and martyred simply because of their faith.
At this special time of year, spare a thought for those Christians languishing in jail in countries like Pakistan and Iran; no family get-togethers for them.
In Western countries the opposition is more subtle but just as real. Christians and their values are increasingly coming under attack because they call for changed attitudes, values and lifestyle. Pressure is coming from all sides, with attempts to secularise Christian festivals such as Easter and Christmas. It is unbelievable the extent that some, including atheists, who are becoming more aggressive, will go to to attack Christianity and all it stands for.
The gift-wrapping makes the glamour of the world so enticing but has nothing satisfying inside.
Among the glitter this Christmas may our light shine so brightly that, like the star of Bethlehem that the shepherds saw, it leads people to discover Jesus the Saviour of the world.
