Christmas by Sandra McCrackenSample
“Go, Tell It On A Mountain”
“Go tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go tell it on the mountain
Our Jesus Christ is born”
I have some friends that love to do street evangelism. They are good people, good communicators, extroverted, and socially bold, but most of all, they are people who are passionate about telling people the good news of Jesus Christ. By nature, I am socially reserved and the idea of going door to door makes me stressed. While I celebrate my friends’ courage and generosity, I tend to hang back when it comes to getting specific about my faith.
This is a cultural reality that, for many of us, is more difficult in a post-Christian culture. But I have found that the word of God speaks for itself. When I read it, meditate on it, and live into it, it naturally pours out of me and the good news is made evident in the dailiness of my life.
Sharing the good news is not about personality. It’s not about winning souls or earning gold stars or hosting the best party. In fact, it’s just the opposite of what you’d think. We are not in charge. Christ is the host and we are his guests. This means, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, organized or spontaneous. You have been invited to a big party, the ultimate party, and you’re called to invite all your friends too.
In Luke 14 on the hillside and later in Jesus’ story about the party, we see the exuberant Father, throwing a party, inviting all the neighbors. And not just neighbors, he’s inviting strangers and street people too. He throws the invitation far and wide. And he’s asking you to help extend the invitation. To go out into the streets and welcome in his guests. All things are ready.
So go tell it on the mountain! Invite people to the party. God wants his house full. Don’t be afraid. People need to hear the good news, especially at Christmas. There are so many people who don’t know the real reason we celebrate it. Invite a friend to your Christmas service. Engage in a simple conversation. Ask someone a question. The evidence of great mercy is now revealed for you to share. Hallelujah, Jesus Christ is born!
Prayer:
This is the time, no more delay!
This is the Lord’s anointed day.
Come now, this moment, at his call and live for him who died for all.
Check out Sandra McCracken's new Christmas album here: sandramccracken.lnk.to/Christmas
Scripture
About this Plan
Christmas is a reminder. It pulls us back to the center, to what matters most and where we belong. In the broken places, in the waiting, in the hoping, we are not alone. God has come to dwell with us. In this 5-day devotional, journey with Sandra as we pair scripture with classic hymns and songs from her new album, “Christmas.”
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We would like to thank Sandra McCracken and Integrity Music for providing this plan. For each day's designated hymn or song, please visit: http://sandramccracken.lnk.to/Christmas