If you hang around a few missions organizations and nonprofits for long enough, you’ll probably start to notice that Christmas is our very favorite time of year. Maybe you’re thinking, “Duh. It’s everyone’s favorite time of year.” Good point. But maybe you’re also thinking, “They just use the Christmas season to ask us for more money.” And while that might be what you’re seeing, we know that there is so much more depth and beauty to it. Sure, Christmas is about giving, and we will give you all the opportunity in the world to give to a cause that’s meaningful. But the real truth is that Christmas is the perfect picture of the heart of missions.
It’s simple. Two thousand years ago, someone who had everything made himself nothing so that we could have everything as well. He wrapped himself in flesh and came as a baby, fully dependent on humanity for sustenance. He came in weakness, so that he could show us what true strength looked like. He came with humility, so that he could show us true confidence and trust. He spent his first thirty years doing nothing but learning, growing, and walking with his Father. He went slow, he came low.
When we think about our approach to missions, our heart is that it would look just like Christmas. That we would come to a people that has nothing, full of the person that gave us everything, and give it away freely. We won’t be in a hurry, we won’t force change. We’ll take our time and learn, grow, and walk with the Father. We’ll invest in what matters, not distracted by the numbers and idols of “efficiency” and “success”. We’ll go low and slow, because Jesus did it for us.
When we first started to show up to the communities that we serve, we didn’t come with programs and systems and community development strategies. We came with smiles, sandwiches, and hugs. We sat down for hours and loved those kids, face to face. We learned their language, culture, and values. We partnered with their dreams. We linked arms.
We’re thrilled to invite you to partner with us during the Christmas season, because there’s nothing that sounds more like the holiday season than giving. Maybe you see people asking for donations everywhere you look, but just imagine each of them proclaiming the life and love of Jesus with every penny donated. Whenever you give to Marked, especially in the Christmas season, this is the legacy that you are linking arms with. You’re choosing to tell the story of Christmas with your giving. You’re making the choice to be love. Thank you for another year of bringing Jesus to some of the most beautiful people in the world. Our victory is your victory. Our stories are your stories. We’re so thankful.