I walked to Chappy's (a local diner across the street from my house) (to see why I walked read the post below) I got my usual breakfast which Mary Ann my waitress knows by heart and brings to me without really even asking. Its a pretty routine thing. Today however was a little different she told me that the manager was buying breakfast for all the regular breakfast people for Christmas!

In the book Made to Stick the authors say this: The most basic way to get someone's attention is this: Break a Pattern. Humans adapt incredibly quickly to consistent patterns. Consistent sensory stimulation makes us tune out: Think of the hum of an air conditioner, or traffic noise, or the smell of a candle, or the sight of a bookshelf. We may become consciously aware of these things only when something changes: The air conditioner shuts off. Your spouse rearranges the bookshelves.

I think the church could learn alot from this. When we communicate the message of Jesus we do it in ways that are extremely predictable. So predictable that we can watch TV shows that mimic our efforts. What would it look like for you to communicate the love of Christ in an unexpected way this holiday season?

Check out one way through Common Ground Montgomery. Check out the info on www.sjinformation.com under the Missions Heading.