Have you ever tried to give someone a gift that you weren’t sure they’d like? I remember giving my mom a smart home speaker, which I KNEW could be very helpful. But she was as far from a tech person as you could get. No computer experience, no email, no cell phone. Nothing. How would it go?

To my surprise, it went better than I could have ever expected. (I actually thought she might sell it at a garage sale because it was just taking up space!) After about five minutes it was a smashing success. And she’s never looked back. That little device has changed her daily life in numerous ways. But it all started when I took a chance on giving a gift that may or may not be well received.

This week you have the opportunity to take that kind of risk. You know people who would benefit from what God has for them in a local church like Seneca Creek. Maybe they’re as far from a “religious” person as you could get. Maybe they’ve even had some really bad experiences with churches, or with people claiming to be Christians. What would happen if you invited them to a Christmas Eve gathering?

The truth is, you don’t know. Just like the smart home speaker I gave to my mom, there’s a risk. It might not be well received. But you won’t know until you try. And the stakes are sky high, because what they really need is what you’re offering them.

So let me encourage you this week to take a risk. Reach out to that person who you know could use the gift of Hope. You can pick up an invitation card on Sunday, or use this link and invite them electronically. Take a risk. Change a life. Change an eternity. Give a gift that matters.

-Pastor Mark