SPIN LIKE THE WIND-the blog of Nigel James.

6 WAYS YOU MIGHT MISS OUT ON CHRISTMAS!

1. YOU ARE TOO BUSY WITH OTHER THINGS- read Luke 2.7- the first person to miss Christmas was the innkeeper who was too busy and preoccupied. Busyness can lead to excluding Jesus!

2. YOU ARE AFRAID OF THE  CLAIMS OF THE LORD ON YOUR LIFE-read Matthew 1.2- King Herod was afraid and jealous of another King. The arrival of Jesus stakes a true claim on your life.

3. YOU CAN'T BE BOTHERED-read Matthew 2.5- The priests and the scribes knew about Jesus but couldn't be  be bothered to visit him. Their self-righteousness fooled themselves into thinking they didn't need a Messiah. Apathy and complacency mean many people today miss out on the real meaning of Christmas.

4. YOU THINK YOU'VE HEARD IT ALL BEFORE-read LUke 2.39-40- The people of Nazareth thought they knew all about Jesus and his family. Familiarity can strangle wonder, awe,  and faith. Hard-heartedness from thinking you know everything about Christmas is dangerous!

5. YOU ARE WORSHIPPING SOMETHING ELSE- the Romans loom large in the Christmas story but because they worshipped other gods and idols they missed the point! Whilst Christmas is a great season, the real King of Kings and Lord of Lords is surrounded by man-made idols. Make sure your worship is headed in the right direction.

6. YOU ARE TOO RELIGIOUS-read through Luke 2- the shepherds on the hills spotted the Saviour, but the vast majority of people in Jerusalem, not too far from Bethlehem, and the surrounding areas, missed out because they were too busy obeying the rules and regulations of their religion. Don't miss out on Christmas by being religious!

GREAT COMMUNICATION.

I've heard three people over the last few weeks who have been great communicators and top quality ambassadors for the Christian faith. One of them you will have heard of, one you might not have heard of, and one you definitely won't have heard of.

My friend Gary Smith co-ordinated a UK tour on behalf of Compassion to raise the profile of their child-sponsorship programme. Graham Kendrick was the musical guest and Tony Campolo the speaker. Singing some of Kendrick's old favourites was special, but I came away from the Cardiff night most especially recognising Tony Campolo, whom I have heard many times before, as a consummate and passionate preacher, even at the age of 75. He is someone who has a rich fund of personal and touching stories, and who is able to bring the Gospel to life and to connect with people in a way that brings laughter and tears to even the hardest heart.

 Joining some of the guys from Band of Brothers  I went to a dinner where the speaker was ex-Zimbabwe cricketer Henry Olonga.  Henry is a rare breed- someone able to tell sporting anecdotes and life experiences in a humorous and engaging way, but also a very good evangelist. That combination is rare in a so-called celebrity ( Bobby Ball is someone else who has these gifts.) Henry's speaking would be equally at home in cricket club or church, after dinner or after worship. Speaking to a bunch of men, he gave a very clear presentation of his own testimony and of the good news of Jesus.

Then just last week, having been caught by a speed camera some weeks ago, I opted to attend a speed awareness course to avoid having penalty points on my driving licence. Registering with the course leader I had to give my licence and he spotted the 'Rev.' before my name and then proceeded to draw a fish symbol on his notepad-wanting me to know he too was a believer. For the next four hours, his enthusiasm, good nature, humour, and mastery of public speaking and group work shone through. For him this was not just a way to make money, nor were we just  bunch of law-breakers. His mission was clear- to make us better and safer drivers and to ensure the roads we travelled on were safer places. He wasn't exaggerating when he reminded us we were involved in a life or death issue. As a Christian, I was extremely proud of Ian Pomeroy - chances are you have never heard of him, but too often we assume the heroes of the Christian faith are the pastors and the missionaries when actually the real heroes are the men of women who engage with people in the real world everyday and take seriously their role as salt and light. Ian is a living embodiment of someone pursing excellence in their job and doing so to the glory of God: 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men' Col. 3:23

Three very different men, all following the path God has laid out for them, and all gifted communicators.