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4 CBA Retailers+Resources | 04.08

From the Editor

Kathleen Samuelson, publications manager

Welcome, We’ve Been

Expecting You

>_light>_{. We}>IF YOU READ MY EDITORIALS WITH ANY REGULARITY, YOU may be familiar with the fact that I happen to have two very precocious children (ages 7 and 9) who continue to teach me life lessons at the speed of ll, I’ve got another one to share with you.

Last night I took my son to church for a family night of prayer and fellowship. The elementary leaders started the evening by asking the children questions. Now, in my experience, this is always an anxious time for parents, as they see their kids’ hands shoot up in the air, their little bodies wiggling impatiently. What’s he/she going to say now in front of this large crowd with all their eyes focused on us?

So, the first question came. “Children, imagine Jesus just walked in the door right now,” all heads turned to the door, seemingly half-expecting that our Lord would be standing there. “What would you say to welcome Him into our gathering?”

I glanced at my son. His expression suggested that he was deep in thought over his pending response, but no rising arm yet.

“I’d say, ‘Welcome,’” one little girl answered shyly.

“I’d say, ‘Welcome to our church,’” a little boy a few tables down responded.

The woman who’d lead with the first question nodded her head and smiled, “Very good, very good. Anyone else?”

No other hands. There seemed to be a collective sigh of relief among the 50 or so parents present—then it happened. I could literally see the light bulb above my son’s head flash bright. Up shot his hand. Then he jumped out of his seat…I suppose just in case he hadn’t yet been noticed.

“I’d say,” he hesitated. “I’d say, ‘ Welcome…we’ve been expecting you!’” A big grin flashed across his face.

My son (not shy) reveled in the burst of applause, laughter, and approval. I couldn’t help but hug him on the spot. We’ve been expecting you…

So, what if Jesus walked into your Christian-retail store right now? What would He see? What would He hear? What would you say to Him? Would it be “Welcome”? Or “Welcome to my store”? Or, would it be “Welcome, I’ve been expecting you”?

Is your store warm and welcoming? Do you have a policy in place that ensures each person who walks through your door is welcomed expeditiously—and genuinely? Is the product you sell Christ-honoring and thoughtfully displayed? Do you continue to make that customer feel welcomed throughout his or her visit?

Every single time a customer walks into your store, you have the unparalleled and blessed opportunity—the honor—to share the amazing love and saving grace of Jesus Christ with another soul. Every single time, Jesus Himself is present in that store. And by welcoming that customer into your store, you have the opportunity to welcome Jesus, too. You can say and truly mean: “Welcome, I’ve been expecting you.”

What are you doing today to welcome Jesus into your store? R+R

The Official Magazine of CBA