There is something about sports that brings people together. I was 7 years old when I went to my first Major League Baseball game. I remember being in awe of the stadium and the baseball players, the smell of hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels. That day, I fell in love with the New York Yankees.
Now before you stop reading because I said Yankees, just insert your favorite team. Maybe the World Champion Braves. There is just something special about the moment you fall in love with a sports team. You see fans wearing your team’s gear, and it’s like you share a special bond. You’re all on the same team. You talk, high five, and rally together.
How does this relate to our scripture? We’re all on the same team. We have a common bond. We’re children of God. My goal is to show people as much love as I can in the brief time I may be in their lives. It’s about creating a culture of hospitality. We don’t know what people are going through, what they’re searching for, but it might be an important moment for them.
Say hello, hold a door, really listen to how someone is doing. This could be the moment that helps them feel God’s presence. You’re probably thinking, holding a door can help someone experience God? Yes. Maybe they’ve asked God to show them that someone cares. When someone feels noticed and cared for, it can bring such a sense of joy, of belonging. There’s nothing like seeing people find God and join the team.
Let God use you in the moment, especially at Christmas when so many don’t know what it’s like to have a team rooting for them—the ultimate and only undefeated one ever—our God’s.