3 minute read
Team Talk
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Becoming a Christian
There is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God
Lord Jesus Christ, I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong. Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit. Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen
Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International
’ talk Team talk ‘TEAM TALK How are individuals spending Christmas?
Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters
IT’S the time of year when, if you’re channel-hopping on the telly, chances are you’ll catch a Christmas advert (or two). Have you seen the John Lewis one yet? It depicts a middle-aged man learning how to skateboard in an attempt to connect with a teenage girl that he and his wife are fostering. According to an online BBC report, this year’s ad is designed to be less about buying and spending, and more about promoting kindness.
‘I don’t think we’re going out there saying “don’t buy anything”, because we wouldn’t be in business,’ Claire Pointon, customer director of John Lewis, told the BBC. ‘But this advert is not about “go and buy things”. This advert is about saying how can you as an individual show kindness to someone else who may need it. I think that’s quite We could ask people what an important message at Christmas.’ I think Claire’s right. And as tomorrow (Sunday 27 November) marks the first Sunday they really need in Advent – when Christians begin to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth – it’s the perfect time to remember that Christmas is about more than spending money, putting up tinsel and cooking up a feast. It’s about humankind receiving God’s love, through the gift of his Son, Jesus – and how such a love has the power to change us.
Perhaps, this year, we might allow the story of Jesus’ birth to inspire our own approach to present-giving. Instead of buying more stuff for our friends and family, we could try asking them if there is anything they really need. Maybe they need help with a utility bill, or some fuel for their car. It could be that they are desperate for an evening to themselves, and would be grateful for a free babysitter for a couple of hours. Some individuals might love nothing more than the gift of time, given in the form of a cuppa and a listening ear.
As we begin our preparations for Christmas, may we never underestimate the value of giving out kindness to those we meet – because gifts such as compassion, understanding and patience are priceless.
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