To even mature, thoughtful, devout, practicing Christians evangelism is a scary word. Friendship, however, is not only not scary but heartwarming, life-giving, and is desired and sought after by most people.

In the life of each person reading this there are people that we know who are, in a variety of ways, overwhelmed by life. Their problems and challenges are beyond our ability to solve or resolve. But we know what the true solution is: relationship with God the Father through Christ the Son and the Power of the Holy Spirit.

In a word-they need Jesus.

So how do we bring them to the ultimate solution to all things that overwhelm us?

In a word-friendship.

No one cares what you know until they know that you care.

Friendship most often begins in an area of shared interest or shared experience. That's where we meet and make our friends. To say to someone 'I understand.' When they know you really do is comforting. To say to someone 'I'm so sorry,' when they know you've experienced the sorrow is nurturing. To simply come along side of someone in their problems and challenges is life-giving.

These actions are what friendship looks like and feels like.

We can lead someone by the hand through the gates of friendship into the presence of Jesus. With a voice of friendship we can say I have an idea. With a heart of friendship we can say I think I know someone.

So give the gift of the Gospel to a new friend this Christmass. It will be the perfect gift to meet their every need and it's not a very scary thing to do.

In Jesus who is our Peace,

Father Comforted +