The Everyday Club

12/25/11      Joshua,      about 20
Many churched people believe it is obvious that Jesus is basic to most people's understanding of the meaning of Christmas, but we live in what is increasingly being called a post-Christian era in America and a biblically illiiterate culture. Our evangelistic efforts accordingly can't assume that people even have a basic understanding of something we take for granted such as the origins of Christmas. Asking what people do know and believe is a great way to start good conversations with outsiders and to gain a good grasp of their need for what we so easily take for granted. Joshua was another such person that I met today while out jogging. I stopped and wished him a Merry Christmas and asked what he thought Christmas was all about. "Getting together with family" was his answer. I asked if he knew about its religious meaning. He didn't know and when I asked further questions he couldn't seem to make up his mind whether he even believes in God. It seemed that he has never taken the time to ask about such things. I hope our conversation on the sidewalk was a wake-up call for him today.