O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

I have seen a lot of Christmases, but there is one that stands out in my memory above all the others. Our family had made plans to go visit my grandmother for Christmas.  Since money was a little short, my parents decided that it would be wasteful to purchase a tree since we would not even be at home for Christmas.  I wasn't too happy with that plan, but as a sixth-grader, my opinion didn't count for much.

In those days, every classroom at school had a Christmas tree.  This was not an artificial tree, but a real, honest-to-goodness, full-sized tree.  We children were allowed to decorate the tree, mostly with decorations which we made ourselves, and lots and lots of silver icicles.   In our eyes, it was a thing of beauty!

On the last day of school before the holidays my teacher, Mrs. Stewart, stood up in front of the class and asked, "Is there anyone who doesn't have a Christmas tree?" Like a shot, my hand went up!  Mrs. Stewart looked around the room, and since mine was the only hand raised, she announced that I could have the class Christmas tree if I wanted it.  IF I WANTED IT?   OF COURSE I WANTED IT!

That afternoon when school was dismissed, I collected my tree, and since we only lived three blocks from the school, I walked home dragging my tree behind me. I walked along, waving proudly at passing cars and other students who were walking home from school.

My mother met me at the front door.  "What in the world is that?" she asked.

"It's our Christmas tree!" I replied, my face beaming with pride.  "Mrs. Stewart asked if there was anyone who didn't have a Christmas tree and when I raised my hand, she said I could have it."

"Oh my goodness," mother exclaimed.  "What will people think?  I'll tell you what they will think.  They will think we are so poor that we can't even afford a Christmas tree!  I have never been so embarrassed in all my life."

Through the years my family has had many good laughs over that Christmas.  I never understood why my mother should have been embarrassed, but there is one thing for sure,  we had a Christmas tree every year from that day on -- even if we were going to grandmother's house.

Coming Soon!

Whether we are in a theater or watching movies in the comfort of our living room on a DVD, we are almost certain to be bombarded with previews of coming attractions.  These short clips of movies that will be "Coming soon to a theater near you!" always show just enough of the movie to pique our interest without giving away the entire plot of the movie. The Christmas holidays is the time when the movie industry traditionally introduces what they hope will be the biggest hits of the year.

For us, as Christians, the phrase "Coming Soon" has a much greater significance.  We are looking forward to Christ's return!  Jesus told us that he would come again, but he didn't tell us everything.  He just told us enough so that we would know that it would be a glorious event that we wouldn't want to miss.  Neither did Jesus tell us exactly when he would be coming.  In fact, he said, "No one knows the day or the hour, not even the angels in heaven. Only the Father knows."

So, we are looking forward to his return, but if we don't know when it is going to happen.  What should we do?  Well, just like the movie previews  say, "Coming Soon to a theater near you" without saying exactly when, we have to be watching so that we will be ready when the movie comes to town. In fact, that is exactly what Jesus told us. "Be ready, because you have no idea when the Son of Man is going to show up."

What should we be doing to make sure we are ready for Jesus when he returns? We should be doing the things that Jesus wants us to be doing -- loving one another, caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, and helping the poor. If we are doing those things, we will be ready when he comes.  I hope he's "Coming Soon!"

Satisfaction Survey

I recently had to go to the Department of Public Safety to renew my driver's license.  When I received my new license in the mail, there was a card enclosed which requested that I go online and submit a customer satisfaction survey.  "Please use the link below to help us create a faster, easier friendlier driver license experience" the card said. This experience caused me to stop and think about the experience people have when they visit our church. Perhaps our "visitor cards" should include a brief customer satisfaction survey with statements to which the visitor could provide feedback about their experience.  Imagine that you are a first-time visitor at your church and complete the following survey.

Our church wants to provide an atmosphere in which all worshipers will feel welcome, have a meaningful  encounter with God, and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.  You can help us to know how well we are meeting our goal by completing the following survey.

When I arrived, I was greeted warmly and made to feel welcome.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

The Sunday School class I attended provided meaningful Bible study.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

The worship service led me straight to the throne of God.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

The music in the worship service provided a good mixture of styles.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

The pastor's message was Biblical and inspiring.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

I found what I was looking for at your church.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

I will definitely attend your church again.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

I would definitely recommend your church to my friends.

STRONGLY AGREE     AGREE     DISAGREE     STRONGLY DISAGREE

How well would your church do in this survey?  If the answer is, "Not as well as it should." The question to ask yourself is, "What can I do to make it better?"

After writing this post, I found an interesting article by Thom S. Ranier entitled "Eight Terrible Church Visits" which tells about experiences of "mystery guests" who were paid to attend churches and then write a review of their experiences.  You might find it interesting reading.