I used to be "shy." I was a quiet kid and a careful observer of people. Those are good qualities but I remember how I'd watch with amazement at other kids who would bring friends to class, unsure of how they did that. And then truth be told, I was a l ittle miffed at the new kids for either not listening to the teacher or using too much glue, or smooshing the tips of markers in till they were useless. But what a different perspective I have now, as a pastor! What an opportunity it all was to SHOW the new kids life in Christ. I wasn't against the concept as a kid, just unsure how to do it. Upon meeting Yanti, who went with many friends to their churches and invited many friends to hers, I found the zenith of joy in the Savior and inviting others to see Him. So, maybe you are shy. Maybe you are more like Yanti. But we in leadership ask you, beg you to invite just one person to come with you to church this Advent and Christmas if you are shy. If you are like Yanti, try to keep it around a manageable 100 new friends! You may have better luck remembering their names that way. (haha!) At any rate, invite them to see Jesus. The story goes that a 9-year old girl was forced to the back of a Christmas program at her church. She couldn't see Jesus and so she yelled out, "Let Jesus show!" And that is an excellent statement for us in church leadership and as "regulars" in this congregation. This Christmas, Let. Jesus. Show. Let your joy in Him spill over onto others. Jesus is for all people everywhere.
In Him,
Pastor Dieterichs