Christmas Invitations // M-Note 12.7.24

When I moved to Atlanta to attend Emory University I met a friend named Seren on the first day of class. By the end of class, she invited me and Jess to check out the small United methodist Church she attended. We didn’t have a church yet, so we went with her. The rest was history. We got connected, made great friends, got involved, and I ended up serving on the staff for 2 years. And it all started with an invitation!
  
The Christmas story is full of invitations. The angels invited Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds into the story. The wise men were invited by a star! Later on, the disciples started following Jesus because friends invited them to do so. Jesus would end up changing the lives of all those who encountered him. But, it all started with an invitation. 

Can you remember who first invited you to check out Jesus or who first told you about The Gathering?
 
Christmas is a season of giving and one of the most powerful things that we can give this time of year is an invitation. Many people who don’t go to church are thinking about it during this time of year. The biggest barrier for many is they don’t know where to start, they don’t know where to go, and they are afraid of not knowing anyone. The tipping point could just be an invitation. You never know where that invitation might lead. 
 
Today I challenge you. Pay attention to the people that God has placed around you. Then, this week, invite one of those people to come to worship with you at The Gathering this weekend. You can also share our Christmas Eve worship times on social media, through a text, or even better just offer someone a Christmas invitation card (we will have them for you Sunday). All the while remember that the most meaningful part of Christmas this year may not be a gift you get, but an invitation you give.
 
Peace,
Matt

P.S. One of the most significant ways to celebrate Christmas is by serving and making space for others. People who decide to serve on Christmas Eve always report getting more out of it than they gave, and it adds extra meaning to the season. With 11 Christmas Eve services, there are a lot of ways to volunteer! So please sign up to serve at one of our services. You can check out the opportunities and sign up here.