MARCH TO THE MANGER
Perhaps you saw the pre-recorded version of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on television. I understand that this particular parade is recognized as the world’s largest parade. Unfortunately many parades normally scheduled by organizations and municipalities in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day already have announced cancellation due to COVID-19. In a “normal” year, these parades may feature high school and college bands, dance students, cheerleaders, and state and local dignitaries riding in antique or classic automobiles many of which are convertibles. Corporate sponsors, civic groups, and churches often participate in local parades with a float or other tangible expression of Christmas.
One unique Christmas parade in which many Southern Baptist churches will participate this year is the annual “March to the Manger” for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. In symbolic fashion, believers present themselves before the Christ-child as we help spread the true meaning of Christmas throughout the world.
This week marks the Week of Prayer for International Missions throughout the Southern Baptist Convention of churches. The theme for the 2020 LMCO is A Great Multitude + You based on Revelation 7:9 which reads “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before that throne and in front of the Lamb….” The offering goal of $175 million is significant to be sure but one that is attainable through the cooperative and cumulative efforts of 40,000+ Southern Baptist churches.
A pastor friend of mine regularly encourages the members of his congregation to offer a gift to the LMCO that is at least equal to the cost of the most expensive present that they give at Christmas. During the Week of Prayer, please continue to pray concerning your mission offering this year. If you have not had the opportunity in previous years to participate in the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, let me encourage you to give something this year. If you have participated in previous years, let me encourage you to offer more than you have historically. God has given his very best for us and He deserves nothing less than our very best for Him.
Christians have celebrated Jesus’ birth since the shepherds made the first march to the manger over 2,000 years ago. Despite the claim of a department store, I am confident that the annual March to the Manger for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is truly the world’s largest parade. Over 2,000 years ago, some shepherds made the first march to the manger after hearing the “good news of great joy” presented by the angel. As you march to the manger for international missions, your participation in the most meaningful Christmas parade will offer good news to a troubled world that will yield eternal blessings for “a great multitude…from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb….”
Daniel