Just before Jesus went to the cross, part of his prayer was for us. It is astounding to think that just before he faced the horror of the cross, he was praying for how we would represent him. Here is part of what he said:
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" John 17:20-23
Think about that—Jesus prayed that the world would see our oneness and from that they would come to know Jesus.
Sadly, oneness is not a term most unchurched people associate with Christian churches today. But in the midst of much of that, I got a wonderful Christmas sample of a Christmas flyer that is not only creative, fun and well done, but is the product of a group of churches. In addition to promoting Christmas events, the flyer, by its very inclusion of all the churches on it is a witness to the world and an answer to Jesus's prayer.
The flyer (CLICK HERE to download a PDF) was the creation of a very creative company: Squeaky Beetroot Productions - http://www.squeakybeetroot.co.uk
According to its creator, John Burnett, it went out to 50,000 homes in Worcester, England last year for the Christmas season.
Pray that the churches in your community can communicate their unity in Jesus and invite the world to share in the oneness available in Him.
This is one more sample of how you can encourage and help other church communicators when you participate in the GREAT IDEA SWAP. CLICK HERE for more information.
Please share your thoughts, comments, questions!