This week is the traditional time of celebrating and remembering the birth of Christ over two thousand years ago. We look back at that glorious time in history, imaging what it must have been like on that normal night, when God Himself came into this world in the form of a human baby. And yet, something is missing.
Instead of being a day to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Western world has come to view December 25 as just another vacation. We get so wrapped up in Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and spending money that we forget to stop and look at how God feels about all this rush and chaos that is suppose to commemorate His Son.
Let me show you how misplaced our values have become. In the previous year, we spent a massive 460 billion dollars on Christmas alone. And yet Christians find it difficult to tithe, give to missions, and support the church. We sit in comfort as 2.7 billion wait to hear the Gospel for the first time.
Imagine what an incredible impact we could have had if we had focused just a faction of the resources we expend on Christmas, and actually used them to bring Christ to a lost and dying world. If you believe we can make a difference, carefully consider the following facts.
If we would give just one percent of the 460 billion dollars spent on Christmas, we could build over 400,000 churches across Asia, to congregations who have none. With the same amount, we could provide clean water to everyone in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Even more amazing, this sum could give a Bible to every person in the world.
This Christmas, be the change this world needs. Together, we can make an impact for Christ; help spread the message of Jesus to the hurting. See how at www.ForgottenChristmas.org.
-Reagan Schrock, GOA blog manager
No comments:
Post a Comment