Who Have You Invited?
The Jehovah’s Witnesses were in my neighborhood today. I was doing some yardwork to spruce the place up a bit before our daughters and their husbands come to town for Christmas. When they approached, I was on the phone. Legitimately. I was not pretending so that I could avoid them. I motioned to the phone and said I was sorry. The man was very nice. He nodded his head. He smiled and kept moving. I did not feel bad. It was best for both of us. I am a bishop in the United Methodist Church. I am a low probability shot. I am the sale he will not close. No need to use your limited time on me.
I admire the tenacity of the team of four that I saw knocking on the doors of homes in our neighborhood. They were walking past red and green inflatables, some 15’ tall. Up the driveway they passed displays and lights that were all shouting “Merry Christmas.” Jehovah's Witness don’t do Christmas. They argue that since Jesus never told his followers to commemorate his birthday, we should set aside all the services and celebrations. We should take down the tree and the tinsel. Knocking on our doors on December 21 with a message that includes “and by the way, no more of this Christmas shenanigans” takes real commitment.
I admire something else about them. I am a stranger to them, and yet they actually care about my soul. I don’t agree with the beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have heard their presentation. I have spent time trying to help them see the bible in a new light. I have questioned their view of this life and eternal life as well. The conversations were congenial, but frustrating to both them and me. I don’t want to spend more time on that errand, but I must appreciate their attempt to share what they believe with so many. It means that they care about us.
I told my friend on the phone, a United Methodist pastor, that the Jehovah’s Witnesses were coming up the driveway but that I was waving them off. He said, “they may not be bringing the conversation you want to engage but let me ask you a question. How many United Methodists have even invited one relative, friend, or neighbor to join them on Christmas Eve for a service people have worked hours to offer? Wouldn’t it be great if we had teams of United Methodists walking through their neighborhoods right now just handing out a simple invitation to celebrate the joy of Christ at Christmas?
He is, of course, correct. Here is my suggestion to all of us. Take a minute and ask God, “who should I invite to join me at the Christmas Eve service? Who might enjoy that invitation? Who needs to hear that God loves them?”
When a name comes to you, reach out and invite them to join you for the Christmas Eve service you will attend. You are easily that committed in your faith. You care about them. Send them a text. Give them a call. Knock on their door and invite them to the most sacred thing we can offer people at Christmas. If they say “yes”, you will find your experience of Christmas will deepen. If they say “no”, just smile and wish them well. There is some reason behind why God gave you that name. The invitation communicates that you care.