In a year that has been anything but normal, holiday cheer feels especially important. However, with many states and countries continuing or ramping up restrictions, this time of year may bring additional frustration and discontent.
Ron Hutchcraft with Ron Hutchcraft Ministries says that global circumstances right now give Christians a unique perspective and opportunity. “It’s the COVID Christmas. It’s the pandemic Christmas because it’s the 2020 Christmas. I think we have an uncommon opportunity to really share our Jesus with people. They are hope starved. They really are hope starved and Jesus is all about hope.”
A Year of Loss
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought increased rates of depression and other adverse mental health situations in the United States. Isolation has increased these struggles. To those without the hope of Christ, the losses of the year can feel unbearable.
Hutchraft reminds Christians that even when it feels like important things are being taken away, Christ brought us a salvation that is unlosable. “The key word here is unlosable. In a year of loss, what do we have because of Jesus that’s unlosable? It’s unlosable love. Nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, our Lord – Romans 8:39. There is one love that is disease proof. It is desertion proof. It is death proof.”
What a comfort in a broken year of loss and disappointment! However, that love comes with the command to share it. Christ did not save his Church to sit on the good news they’ve been given. He commands His people to go out into the world and share hope with those who are headed for despair without Christ.
Sharing the Truth in Love
Hutchchraft says that Christmas 2020 is an amazing time to share the good news of Gospel because people are seeking hope and coming up empty in circumstances that feel foreign. He encourages Christians to share why a relationship with Jesus matters. “All the eruption of things day after day, all of the torrent of news coming at you. What’s the difference Jesus makes? Share it.”
For many Christians sharing Jesus with family or friends can feel intimidating or awkward. Hutchcraft says that one key to sharing your faith is authenticity. Talk about your struggles and how the year has been difficult for you. But don’t stop there. How has your relationship with Christ impacted those difficult times?
Click here to read more.
SOOURCE: Mission Network News, Anna Deckert
CALL TO ACTION
- Pray that God would open hearts and minds to the truth of the Gospel this Christmas.
- Ask God to show you opportunities to share the Gospel with friends and family.
- Pray that God’s people would not shy away from sharing the life-saving work of Jesus on the cross as they encounter friends and family in need of hope this Christmas.
