In marketing and communications …
In church ministry …
In other areas of life …
Throughout all of history …
Sharing stories matters.
Storytelling is an inherent part of the human experience. It creates opportunities for connection. It provides common ground. It allows space for a shared experience that draws people together. It connects individuals who otherwise may not ever overlap.
We all have a story to tell. We all have a desire to share a piece of our heart and our life with others. This holiday season, as you listen to stories and share your own … may you also keep in mind the true reason for the holiday season.
When our to-do lists get long, when the Christmas shopping doesn’t seem to have an end in sight, when there are too many holiday parties to attend and not quite enough time for all of them, when the work seems to never stop … Pause. Remember. Reflect.
The frenzy of this time of year is rooted in a life-altering story that began thousands of years ago.
The gospel – the good news of Jesus – all hinges on His birth. We can experience the good news of great joy that Jesus brings, because of that very first Christmas story that started long ago.
His story, His life, His birth was the starting point to the privilege of the work we get to do as church leaders. Jesus’ birth set into motion the most life-altering story the world will ever know.
This Christmas season, let’s keep in mind Jesus’ story. Let’s hold in our hearts the purpose of this time of year and its celebrations. Let’s remember WHY we do what we do with ministry and outreach this time of year. It is only, ever, always because of Jesus!
Christmas is the first chapter of Jesus’ story on earth. A story worth celebrating, indeed! We get to honor His arrival to earth and reflect on His selflessness during this time of year. The story of Jesus is the most important story that has ever been – and will ever be – told.
Sharing stories matters. Stories remind us of where we’ve been and keep us full of hope for where we’re going. Stories remind us of legacies. Stories help us honor events and people from the past. Stories encourage us and motivate us to keep moving forward in healthy, obedient, God-honoring ways.
May the story of Jesus and His birth in Bethlehem thousands of years ago be a meaningful ministry connection point for all of us this year. May our eyes remain fixed on Jesus. May we stay focused on the good news that He brings!
And then, may we move forward with excitement and faith in sharing His incredible, sacrificial, life-altering love story with our church, community and to the ends of the earth.
