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“God gave some to be … evangelists … so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

(Ephesians 4:11–12)

 

A MOMENT WITH SCOTT

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​Dear Friends,

 

In just a few days we will be together with our district family for our Christmas celebration.  Special thanks to Pastor Sam, Jeremy, and all the district team who work so hard to provide us meaningful opportunities for encouragement, fellowship, and growth.  Being with one another is so important, and even if you can’t come, we are a family here in South Carolina.

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I believe God feels that way, too, don’t you?  He valued “together time” so much that He came to us even when (especially when!) we couldn’t come to Him!

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Here's a devotion that I wrote that I hope will encourage you.  If you would like to expand it for a Christmas service devotion or even a sermon outline, please feel free to use it!

 

Leaven Me Alone!

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It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened. (Luke 13.20-21)

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I enjoy saying "Merry Christmas" to people and seeing their reactions.  Some people return my Christmas greeting.  Others say, "Happy Holidays."  Still others don't respond at all.  Those are the ones I'm really interested in - how I can get the Christmas spirit into them.

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The words "Merry Christmas!" are like the leaven "that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour."  This season gives us opportunity to put a little leaven (yeast) in our community, to lift it above the crass commercialism that abounds.  But let's go beyond those words and mix in "three measures of flour, until it [is] all leavened."

Think about these three measures to go with your "Merry Christmas":

• Peace.  Things are busier than usual in this season.  The pace is hectic.  Nerves are raw.  Patience grows thin.  Instead of expressing impatience, do something to promote peace.

• Hope.  Some people experience painful memories and loneliness.  Give hope this year.  Try going to a nursing home and singing carols.  Invite somebody to lunch.  Let people know that they are not forgotten.

• Joy.  Too many have seemingly lost their ability to smile.  Have some fun at Christmas.  Decorate and celebrate.  After all, this is a birthday party, and nobody wants a sourpuss at a birthday party.  Smile!

 

Don't hide the real meaning of Christmas in your heart.  Mix it in with the world around you until it is all leavened.

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Don’t leave out the leaven, and have Merry Christmas!

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Scott​