One interesting part of the Christmas story are the teachings of a guy who wears a real fur coat, eats bugs, offers free baths in the local river, and calls people terrible names. He says folks are a brood of vipers (Luke 3:7). A brood of (i.e. a group of)…vipers!

John is right.

We’re not actually vipers with venomous fangs but people are a lot like that breed of snake. We lay in wait and bare our teeth. We hiss and attack our friends and family with a vicious, painful bite. Don’t we?

The truth is: we are fallen creatures whose venom flows out of the wickedness our hearts (Jeremiah 17:9; Luke 6:45; Luke 11:39-41; Matthew 23:25-26).

We don’t have fangs but we lie to our boss and falsely accuse our friends to protect our reputation. We don’t hiss but we hate family members and say awful things about them to others and are quick to point out their behavior and past decisions right to their face. We don’t slither but we slide through life seeking ways to break our promise to be faithful to our spouse and grab for what doesn’t belong to us. We’ll strike at anyone who tries to get in our way or stop us from doing and getting whatever we want. These thoughts, words, and deeds should not be the evidence of a changed life.

The evidence of sincere repentance and faith is love (Gal. 5:6). John tells the crowd to produce fruit in keeping with their repentance (Luke 3:8).

Confused by this they ask him, “What should we do?”

He tells them, “The man who has two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”

To the tax collectors he says, “Don’t collect any more than you are required.”

And to the soldiers John answers, “Do violence to no man and don’t accuse people falsely-be content with your pay.”

These teachings are so earthy and simple, almost raw. (So why do we make life and our faith so complicated?) His words to the people are similar to what the prophet Micah says about what it is that the Lord requires of us. God wants us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). John teaches us to love. He tells us to give and share, to be just and humble and content, toward our neighbors, our friends, and our family. To me, John sounds a little like a scolding mother. I can almost hear him saying, “Now Tim, share your toys!”

I’m so thankful to God for keeping His covenant promises by sending us Jesus, because He is the only one who is able to forgive a snake like me and restore hope in my heart and deliver me (Romans 7:24-25).

Have you discovered hope? Then it’s time to trust.

Are you a forgiven viper? Then begin to love all over again.

If you have two coats, then think about giving one to someone who has no coat at all. And if you have a pantry full of food, consider sharing it with someone truly hungry. If you’re in a position of authority, do not use excessive force or exacerbate those under your care whether you’re a police officer, parent, or employer. And be thankful and content this Christmas with what you have been given.

Cups Cafe has more than one “coat.” We’ve been given nearly 200 pairs of brand new socks and brand new Thinsulate winter hats all purchased from TSC. Help us give them away to those in need by spreading the word this Christmas and throughout the winter. People needing these items can simply stop in the cafe.

A Forgiven Viper,

Tim

I write this for our volunteers. Particularly for a volunteer named Blaise (he works every other Friday night). One Friday night a few guests asked Blaise what the café was all about and he shared with me later that he didn’t think he answered them very well.

So I’ve put together a few things you can say, Blaise.

OPTION #1: Formerly introduce yourself, smile and welcome them to the café, make eye contact and then share your own story. You can explain why you’re at the café, or how you first heard about the café, or what motivates you to serve them. You can also share your testimony (i.e. where Jesus met you and how your faith in Him is changing your life).

OPTION #2: We do this to show others that there really is a God out there who loves us. Did you know that God has so much love for the world that He gave his one and only Son, Jesus, and whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life? (John 3:16)

OPTION #3: Cups Café is a non-profit organization and our vision is to serve Hope one cup at a time. The Hope we serve is Jesus Christ and we serve Him through our work here at the café and to our guests.

OPTION #4: Cups Café is a Christian non-profit organization. Everything here is offered freely. One reason everything is free is because eternal life (or insert the word: salvation) is a free gift from God. It is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2:8-9; or quote Titus 3:4)

OPTION #5: We do this for the kids in Medina. We wanted to set up a safe place where they could hang out and we’ve made it free because teens typically do not have a lot of money. We picked the name Cups because Jesus said, “If anyone even gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42).

OPTION #6: Use can also use any combination of these options and you can always default to directing them to the website www.cupscafe.org and/or handing them my business card and encouraging them to contact me. Cards are in a black box in the drawer under the computer monitor.

These are just a few options of things you can put to memory. Don’t give up, brother. Hang tough. You’re doing great! Stay encouraged and stick with it my friend. You are not alone. Your concern over what to say is something every volunteer faces, me included. Don’t ever try to be perfect in your answers just be yourself, serve with all your heart, and remember that it is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:24).

Love ya, brother,

Tim