“We Three Kings of Orient Are” is a favorite Christmas carol. But what if those Persian “wise men” had wandered off the path and gotten lost on their way to Bethlehem? How different the Christmas story would be! Fortunately they had a “star of wonder, star of night, star of royal beauty bright” to guide them.
Like those “wise men”, one church we know is bringing valuable gifts of their own to the King this month. They’re offering Him their broken hearts, their humbled spirits, and the gift of their repentance.
Repentance? During the Christmas season? Yes, it may seem a little out of character with the season of joy to offer Him brokenness and repentance, but perhaps we could all benefit from such holiday humility.
Let me tell you a little of this church’s story: They recently walked through their church’s history and heard from Christ those things they had done well, but also those things which displeased Him. The historical wounds inflicted on and by their leaders and congregation were recounted.
They were confronted by what they came to see was a flawed culture in their church, a culture of pride, of thinking they were the best and had the best. They wrestled with the impact of this corporate sin on their church’s testimony in their city, and they committed to making things right, not only with each other, but with the King Himself.
While they might not think of it this way, this church is giving a precious Christmas gift to their Lord. It’s precious because such corporate repentance is rare. Like the gold, frankincense and myrrh of those wise men of old, He highly prizes their brokenness.
How many churches do you know that would carve out time in this busy season to lay bare their hearts at the feet of Jesus? And I believe He loves this gift!
We want you to know that God has used many of you to make such a scene possible though your prayers and generous hearts. We could not have done it without you and we totally mean that!! You’ve encouraged and sustained us through the past year, been truly Christ’s gift to Blessing Point. Thank you from the depths of our hearts!
And all we would say is please, do not forget Blessing Point as this year closes and we enter a new one. If God has enriched you this year, please consider making a special year-end gift to help meet the ongoing needs of the ministry.
Your gift will help us encourage more churches to offer their King the rich and rare gifts of humility, brokenness and repentance. It may be just the thing that guides wise people to “His perfect light” in our day.
Warmly in Christ,
Mark Barnard
P.S. To ensure the deductibility of your contribution, gifts must be received or post-marked by December 31, 2013. You can give securely on line or mail your check to the address on our donation page.
Mark Barnard serves as President of Blessing Point Ministries and is the author of The Path of Revival – Restoring Our Nation One Church at a Time and co-author of the Healing the Heart of Your Church Facilitator Guide. Like us on Facebook.