The Best Hot Chocolate for Cheer and Warming Broken Hearts

Last week I experienced a personal tragedy for which I'd appreciate your prayers. But several weeks weeks before I'd planned to partner with Renia at The Development of Taste for her Savor the Holidays series.

I'd love to have you join me at The Development of Taste for tips on Savoring the Holidays and a hot chocolate recipe from yours truly that is good for both those who celebrate and those who mourn.

My Favorite Christmas Quote

Source

“In the month of December, He strikes both the secular and sacred spheres of life with sledgehammer force. Suddenly, Jesus is everywhere, His presence inescapable. We may accept Him or reject Him, affirm Him, or deny Him, but we cannot ignore Him. Of course He is proclaimed in speech, song, and symbol in all Christian churches. But He rides every red-nosed reindeer, lurks behind every Barbie doll, and resonates in the most desacralized “Season’s Greetings.” Remotely or proximately, He is toasted in every cup of Christmas cheer. Each sprig of holly is a hint of His holiness. Every cluster of mistletoe is a sign He is here.” -Brennan Manning, Above All

This quote is always a source of perspective for me and everyone I share it with. I'd love to hear your thought on it in the comments below.

Missional Living is Easier at Christmastime

 

The holidays are upon us and in my experience you’re either feeling overjoyed by all the parties, presents, and events, or you’re feeling overwhelmed and ready for it all to be over. Either way, you have a list that you’re adding to regularly. The good news is that missional living is not another item to add to your list.

Missional living is a lifestyle that involves doing what you’re already doing ( ie. grocery shopping, raising kids, working a job, being involved in your community, etc.) with intention. Being missional means living as a missionary in your current context and season of life. 

Missional living is way of life and not a task to complete. Missional living is not random acts of kindness although those can be incorporated into your lifestyle. Missional living is not serving other Christians. Rick Warren distinguishes service to other Christians as ministry and service to the lost as outreach. While the Bible clearly calls us to love and serve other Christians, it is important to distinguish that fulfilling the Great Commission begins with lost people. Jesus make it clear in Matthew 9:12 that he came for the sick and not the well. Likewise, our missional lives should involve relationships with lost people otherwise we are not being missional at all.

Continue reading over at Missional Women to discover why it's easier to be missional at Christmas time. Join me there today?

(This post was originally published December 9, 2013.)