In less than 10 days, our world will come together for the most anticipated Friday of the year: Black Friday.
Long ago, I discovered some gray neutral ground for Black Friday. I do not actively avoid it, however I am not consumed by it. TBH, I appreciate the occasion for people-watching on a grand scale. The BEST part about the Friday after Thanksgiving, though, is the window of opportunity to share the some FREE, life changing truth (no catch!).
Here it is, 4 differences between Black Friday and Good Friday, and how they might make you forget every item on your wish list:
- On Black Friday, people stay up all night to stand in line for a deal. On Good Friday, Jesus was up all night, standing before accusers, and was dealt judgement on our behalf.
- On Black Friday, crowds trample each other for gadgets. On Good Friday, Jesus was trampled for the crowds to have restored relationship between God and man.
- On Black Friday, department stores put on-trend items on clearance. On Good Friday, Jesus put salvation and adoption into the family of God clear-of-all-charge: He made it absolutely free.
- On Black Friday, stores provide access to hot deals to the the first 50 shoppers in line.. On Good Friday, Jesus provided all-access redemption with the Holy God of creation to anyone who would receive it.
Though the sky, indeed, turned black on the day Jesus died, we remember it as GOOD because it is the ONLY way humanity can ever be in the light.
When we search for fulfillment via Black Friday, we get a momentary thrill. When we search for fulfillment via Good Friday, we find true rest, redemption, and eternal-filling with joy!
I might snag the perfect gift for my special-someone, at a once-in-a-lifetime affordable price, on Black Friday this year. But I will probably feel compelled to do it all again the next year.
However, because of Good Friday, I am considered special to the ultimate Someone, who reminds me to pass the true Gift on and on. For some, it truly will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear about life-giving hope.
Because of this, I cannot keep from sharing His story, “as though God were making his appeal through [me]. [I] implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Whatever your reason for waking up next Friday, I pray you continue in the spirit of gratitude and kindness of Thanksgiving throughout the week.
With Hope,
Becky
PS. Don’t know where to start when it comes to Good News about Good Friday? Check out this post for some Gospel H.A.C.K.S.
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*This post originally appeared on November 21, 2016. It has been updated to optimize encouragement for readers of staypresentmama.com.