Two Years Full of Assumptions

At a Christmas gathering over the weekend, we read the Christmas story–a children’s picture-book version.

Kids and adults alike gathered in the living room to listen to the reason for this joyous season.

As the story progressed, some children–and adults–listened intently, while others half-listened, buzzed from an evening full of treats and sweets.

It was an interactive story–with questions and answers–mostly from the children.

In the middle of the story, a child asked, “What’s a manger?”

Minutes later, an adult–the mother of the child who had asked about the manger–interrupted the story with another question, “What are shepherds?” My head slowly turned to them, realizing that this precious single mom and her child whom we’ve known now for almost two years had never heard the Christmas story–the true Christmas story, the story of Jesus’ birth.

In two years, we have increasingly spent time with them–they have become part our extended family.

But in those two years, I’ve mistakenly assumed they’ve known about Jesus all along.

Two years full of assumptions.

Two years empty of intentionally talking to them about Jesus–the blessed hope for all the world.

I felt a strong pressing on my chest as I listened to the rest of the story.

Father, forgive me for assuming they knew. Forgive me for not asking them straight out.

 

I could say that I hope my actions and words have been a good example to them of what it means to be a true Christian, but I know that my example could not possibly be good–or distinctive–enough if it hadn’t yet pointed them to Christ.

Father, forgive me.

 

Are they the only ones?

• How many people, I wonder, surround me on a routine basis who I assume know Jesus?
• How many do I walk by without telling them of the Man who forever changed my life?
• How many are hurting and looking for hope that I have not yet offered?
• How many?

Two years full of assumptions.

Two years empty of intentionally telling them about Jesus.

For me, those two years end now.

When will they end for you?

Father, help me not only to live a life that resembles Christ but also to speak more of Christ in my life. Help me to be ready to speak the Good News of Jesus–anytime, anyplace (2 Timothy 4:2).

 

Give me the wisdom and opportunities to speak up and tell anyone who asks why I’m living the way I am (1 Peter 3:15). Help me not to assume but to share Jesus freely.

 

Thank you, Father, for your love and your patience with me. Amen.

 

Come alongside…Who have you assumed knows Jesus? Are you sure they do? Will you set some time to talk with that person? How will you go about it? How can you share this story with others?