Hashtag the Manger
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20a (NLT)
I love hashtags. It drives my husband crazy (which secretly makes me use them more).
Social Media professionals, please don’t unite against me. I don’t follow the hashtag rules. I don’t use them for what they’re designed for – I just use them to add character to my posts and tweets.
Some of my all-time favorites and go-to hashtags pretty much define my life.
#KeepinItClassy – Because a large majority of my posts are realities that my life is one fail after another at trying to pull myself together. However, sophistication doesn’t typically reign in these parts.
#ThatJustHappened – This is a typical period at the end of a post that is my life. You seriously can’t make this stuff up.
#ItsNotABigDeal – Because it actually is a big deal, but I’m convincing myself that whatever has ensued will work itself out through divine intervention.
#CampPeters – I use this one for most of my family posts to represent the blended family that is my tribe.
#LoveHim – Because I might have a post or two that highlights my husband’s plumbing, cooking, and gift wrapping skills (or lack thereof), so I add this little gem to remind him he is (and always will be) the love of my life.
So much passion I put into my hashtags – really for my own entertainment.
With the Christmas season upon us and the election season behind us (Thank you Jesus!), the Holy Spirit has been harassing me a bit with a pretty clear calling to hashtag the manger this season. Not with a literal pound sign, but with a simple invitation to the people who God has put in my places.
I believe my people – your people – need an invitation this season. An introduction to Jesus.
The good news is research shows that over half of Americans believe that church services should be included in Christmas time traditions, and would go if invited. The even better news is that thousands of churches across our nation are planning some pretty incredible Christmas services.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
Being in women’s ministry, women tell me all the time, “I wish I just knew what God’s will was. I wish I knew exactly what he wanted me to do, and then it would be so much easier to be faithful and obedient.”
This is it sister. We are called to go and make disciples. And the best season of all for introducing Jesus to those that don’t know him is here. It is our duty – our calling – to invite people to hear about Jesus.
So, who are you inviting and where are you going to church this Christmas season? Post it. Tweet it. Extend the invitation to your people in your places. And please … please hashtag the manger.
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
PRAY: Ask God to show you opportunities to invite those around you to church this Christmas season. Pray for open hearts and open schedules for your friends, family, co-workers and others you invite.
GROW: Seek ways to introduce people to Jesus – to make disciples – outside of the Christmas season.
