Remember Our Persecuted Brothers and Sisters During Christmas Season

During this time of year we hear people saying, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” We hear this phrase so many times during the Christmas season we run the risk of it sounding cliché. Sometimes the same words repeated often can be “tuned out” and as a result they lose their powerful meaning. There are so many things happening around us this time of year. The malls are packed with people looking for a good deal, tables are overflowing with food and families are driving hundreds of miles to celebrate this joyous season. In all the activity, I encourage and challenge you not to forget our family in chains.

 

The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby on Christmas, and He died for us on the cross, so that we could be free. Through His shed blood we inherited eternal life. We have an assurance that to be absent from this earth is to be reunited with Him in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8). The Bible calls us to suffer with those among us who are facing persecution for their faith in Him (Hebrews 13:3).

 

While we celebrate Jesus, the reason for the season, pray for and remember those who do not have the freedom to openly share the love for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His sacrifice gave us the awesome opportunity to belong to a worldwide family of believers. This Christmas I am challenged to pray and remember my brothers and sisters around the world who will not have the opportunity to celebrate Christ’s birth openly.

 

My prayer is not to get overwhelmed, but to be a minister to the persecuted church. Join me in making a decision to end what is left of 2006 in service to our brothers and sisters in chains. There are many opportunities to get involved. Buy a Christmas care pack for a child in the combat zone of Colombia or a village outreach pack which will equip groups and churches to learn about Jesus. To get involved, call Voice of the Martyrs on 800-747-0085 and pray that Christians around the world continue to be a bold witness for Christ despite the threats and attacks against them.