First Baptist Church, Alabaster
Christmas for Jess Smith was different that year. Jess had experienced many Christmases, but that was his first Christmas as a Christian. Jess was able to celebrate the birth of his Savior and King.
Jess had many opportunities over the years to become a Christian. Every time the church in his town had a visiting evangelist or a guest speaker, the pastor would take him to Jess’ home, and they would share the gospel message with him. Some were passionate in their witnessing. Others were combative. But Jess declined the many opportunities to pray the sinner’s prayer.
When I became the pastor of the church in that town, Jess’ wife shared this witnessing history with me, and she asked me if I would visit Jess. During my first visit in their home, we talked about his family, his work and his hobbies. As I stood to leave, he seemed relieved and perplexed at the same time.
Over the next few weeks, I intentionally showed up where Jess and his co-workers stopped for their midmorning coffee break. Jess often invited me to his woodworking shop so that he could show me his latest projects.
When Jess ended up in the hospital with a problem that would eventually be diagnosed as cancer, I was able to tell him that I valued his friendship. I also told him that in order for me to be a good friend, I needed to tell him about Jesus and how He had transformed my life. I explained to Jess that we had all sinned and come short of the glory of God. I told him that the wages of sin is eternal death but the gift of God is eternal life through His Son, Jesus. I assured Jess that God loved him so much that God sent His Son that he would not perish but have eternal life. I explained that if he confessed his sin, God would forgive him and he would have eternal life.
Tears ran down Jess’ cheeks when I asked him if he would like to invite Jesus into his life. Jess confessed his sin and invited Jesus to be the Lord of his life.
Jess died a year later but not before he celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. This year, he’ll celebrate in heaven. How about you? Do you know the Christ of Christmas personally?
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