"Joke" or "Opportunity"?

Many congregations will see an increase in attendance this Sunday, since it is the Sunday prior to Christmas. For many, this is one of the times that “you have to go to church,” since we see so many reminders of the birth of Jesus this time of year.

I think it’s sad that many congregations see this as only a joke. Someone comes to worship because it’s “Christmastime,” and, for some, the first thought is “We’ll see you again at Easter.” We simply welcome them, wish them well, and assume they won’t be back any time soon.

I’ll be honest. That is the case for a vast majority of visitors this time of year, but it doesn’t have to be the case for all visitors this Sunday.

Could it be that our attitude runs a few off who might return? If we only half-heartedly greet folks, assuming they won’t return, then we are sending a message to them in the way we talk and even look at that individual.

However, if we truly open our hearts and welcome someone warmly, we are planting a seed that could lead to something great.

No matter the time of year, every visitor provides an opportunity to share the Gospel. Honestly, it takes some courage to come to a “foreign land” (which many see church buildings as!) and know you might or might not be greeted warmly. Those who come into the building have given an opportunity, whether it’s around Christmas or some “normal” Sunday in August.

Don’t see it as a joke. See it as an opportunity! Only the Lord knows which hearts are open to the Gospel. You could be shaking the hand of a future brother or sister when you greet someone warmly this Sunday.