Luke 2:10-11 – And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (ESV)

Mark 13:10 – And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. (ESV)

A friend texted me one morning, "What nail salon do you go to? I need a new one."

I quickly replied, "The one by Safeway. There's a young girl who does a good job. I don't know her name."

Several hours later, I received this text: "Julie did a great job on my pedicure. Great opportunity to talk about the Lord."

What? She already knew the young girl's name and had "a great opportunity to talk about the Lord"? I've been going there for several years. Julie's done my pedicure several times, but I hadn't known her name, and had never thought to talk to her about the Lord.

I was ashamed of both my lack of attention to Julie and my lack of witness. I usually grab the control for the massage mechanism and start reading a book on my phone. Julie is easy to talk to and speaks more clearly than the other Vietnamese nail technicians there. Why didn't I chat with her?

My friend is a bold witness, rarely missing a chance to tell people about God or offer to pray for them. I started thinking about opportunities that I'd missed. Then, it occurred to me that this Christmas season is the perfect time to begin looking for such opportunities.

I can make sure that I say "Merry Christmas" each time someone wishes me something like "Happy holidays". If there's time and an opening, I can explain why I think that it's important to do so.

When I'm shopping, I often chat with people I encounter in the store aisles or the checkout lines. During this month, I can focus my comments more specifically on what Christmas means to me.

I give gifts to the workers in the gated community where I live. I will include a Christ-focused message in each one.

My yard decorations will focus on Jesus' birth, not reindeer, Santa Claus, or elves.

Instead of saying "I'll pray for you" when I hear of a need, I will pray right then, either in person or by email, text, or Facebook comment.

That's a good start, but I'm sure that more opportunities will arise. I just need to pay attention and not leave out anyone who needs to know about God, His blessings, and His grace. If you need to grow in this area, will you join me in prayer today?

Prayer: Father, as Paul says in Romans 1:16, help me to show that I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is Your power for salvation to everyone who believes. I want to be bold to share the good news. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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