The Light Of Christmas Eve
By Robert (Bob) W. Jones

Christmas Eve 2012 was nearly two years to the date since Craig returned from the battlefield. He had been in an unexpected war with himself ever since.

PTSD — four letters that fettered him to the past. A deeply inner trauma — invisible to unsuspecting eyes — that is devastating to those who see the broken.

“Would you come with me to North Pointe’s Candlelight Christmas Eve Service?” His wife’s invitation hung in the air with the faint hope that something good might come from attending.

“Yes.”

The celebration began.

During the course of the evening, a light shone brightly on a singer. Her voice was uplifting but it was her story of faith that sparked hope to a soldier’s broken heart.

Craig went against what he had been trained to do. He took a knee. He raised a white flag. Surrendering his life to Jesus Christ, his war was won on Christmas Eve.
Peace – the elusive feeling he feared would never come again — was now his.

Do you hear it? It’s the knock of opportunity. And it’s loud. In the weeks before Christmas, Jesus will be placed front and centre in our cultural eye.

You know someone like Craig, someone who would accept your personal invitation to find something more than presents at Christmas?

No matter what the age group is around you, or whether people consider themselves to be religious or not, there are some — quite a few, really — who are ready at this time of year to hear about Jesus.

A friend or family member of yours, who doesn’t know Jesus, is far more likely to attend a Christmas service with you than any other time of the year.

“If there is a given day where more unchurched, non-Christians are likely to attend church, it would be on Christmas Eve.” Thom Rainer, president of Lifeway Research agreed.

Christmas Eve is a safe, silent night, where all is calm. It is carols, crèches, candles, the Christ-child and good news in a manger.

Jesus brilliantly shines through the darkness on Christmas Eve. He lived the life we couldn’t live. He died the death we deserve to die. Jesus offers souls longing for inner calm the gift of God’s peace.

That’s news worth sharing.

Go ahead and invite others to your church on Christmas Eve. Your friends and family will say ‘no’ to 100% of the invitations that you don’t extend. Your odds can only go up.

Feeling nervous about speaking up? There are four words to remember this Christmas season as you step out and give the gift of the gospel. They’re the same four words that Jesus used to put boldness in the backbone of his original disciples: “I am with you.” Matthew 28:20

Isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

People like Craig await your invitation to experience the peace of Christmas Eve.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas.

About this Contributor:

Robert (Bob) W. Jones is a recovering perfectionist, who collects Coca-Cola memorabilia and drinks Iced Tea. His office walls are adorned with his sons’ framed football jerseys, and his library shelves, with soul food. He writes to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus, enjoy healthy relationships and discover their life purpose.
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