Sit down with Jesus 

A couple of years ago I was sitting with Vinolia and Abigail in the outside area of a beachside restaurant when two elderly ladies stopped near our table. One commented “Oh look there is quite a long queue now.” and her friend turned to her, smiled and said, “And just where are we two rushing onto today.” I watched as they queued to be served and then found a table to sit down and eat and drink and spend some time with one another.

The conversation reminded me of the lines of a song by the group James; “Sit down,” where the singer encourages the listener regardless of their circumstances to come and sit down with him. This is a similar invitation that all of us receive from Jesus; “Here I am I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) Just like the two friends who sat down to enjoy each other’s company over lunch Jesus likes to spend time with His people and enjoys our company. Jesus loves each one of us and His invitation is for us to come, sit down with Him and in an unrushed way spend time with Him.

I really enjoy this season with all the Christmas lights, seasonal films, light trails, winter wonderlands and other seasonal offerings that are available. However, I also realise that it is easy to be dragged into all the busyness of the season where so many folk are rushing about.

So let me encourage to do three things. Firstly, accept Jesus’ invitation to sit down, slow down and spend time with Him, pray and hear what He has to say to you and in doing so resist the frantic hustle and bustle that so many people fall into as Christmas day approaches. Secondly, spend time sitting and eating with family and friends. And thirdly whilst you are enjoying time with family and friends why not invite Jesus to come to your table and if those you are with do not know Him, introduce Him to them and let them know that His invitation is for them as well! He is the true light- the light of all mankind who shines in the darkness (John 1:5) to bring life to us through his restoring loves which will one day transcend death into eternity (John 10:10).

Keith Saynor

1st December 2025