The Challenge

“Ho!Ho!Ho!”

I heard my first season’s greetings today as I exited Wal-Mart, “Happy Holidays!”

I understand. Many people celebrate various holidays during December. There is Hanukkah or Chanukah, if you prefer the Hebrew spelling. Holidays that do not include Jesus and those that are secular. I get it and I’m not offended. But I celebrate the birth of my risen Lord! So, Happy Holidays me all you want; although, I’m a Merry Christmas girl.

So, why am I on a soap box today? I’m not; but as I left Wal-Mart, an older gentleman left his red truck and came to my car. “Can I help you load your groceries, Mam?” Startled, I turned to see a white bearded, white-haired man in a red shirt. His tummy extended further than his belt line and his silver glasses glistened in the sun.

“You remind me of someone I know,” I chuckled.

We loaded my car. He actually gathered the trash from the back. Embarrassed I remarked, “I was the ballet carpool mom yesterday.”

He smiled. “I’ll just throw this away.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“It is not my pleasure,” he said. “It is my honor on behalf of my Savior’s Birthday. Merry Christmas.”

Stunned and speechless, I stood for what seemed hours, staring at him. With a twinkle in his eyes he added, “I challenge you. Spread it.”

As I drove home, I thought of my experience. The radio blared a familiar Christmas tune, “Go Tell It On The Mountain.” Wasn’t that what the man in the red shirt just did for Christ? As Christians, are we hiding behind political correctness?

I want to challenge you. I want to challenge myself. In a world lost, let’s spread the good news, “…that Jesus Christ is born!” From now until Christmas, every day honor Him in some way. Tie a Christmas tree on the roof of a car for someone; decorate someone’s home who can no longer climb a ladder; give someone your place in line to visit Santa and you take their place in line; make a dinner for a friend; wrap presents for an overwhelmed mom; babysit for free; blow leaves in someone’s yard; decorate your neighbor’s mailbox; give Christmas cards out to people you do not know; buy someone’s dinner at a restaurant – and give Him the glory – declare to the mountaintop – I do this in honor of Christ’s Birthday.

Challenge others to do the same. Spread it across the nation. It is the Birthday of Christ. Love spreads joy. Love is a servant. Love heals brokenness. Love is His story, make it yours.

To my friend this morning, I am delivering your challenge to the world, in honor of Him – the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Rescuer of the lost, the Savior of the world.

Will you join me?