Churches on alert for terror at Christmas

Governments in India, Afghanistan, Iraq, Indonesia, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have boosted security during the fourth week of Advent, reports Mission Network News today.

In all of these areas, churches have either been threatened or attacked in years past. For several of these countries, the attacks are fresh.

The brutal killings of Iraq's Christians have led thousands to flee the country. In Egypt, Christians are under severe pressure and siege. A church bombing in Indonesia three weeks ago leaves believers feeling jittery.

It's a strategic time for an extremist to be heard, says Todd Nettleton with The Voice of the Martyrs USA. "If you were someone who wanted to make a point against Christians, that would be a day you might decide to strike."

It's an obvious choice. Christmas is considered one of the more important celebrations in the Christian faith, celebrating the birth of a Savior and the beginning of an unfolding plan for reconciliation with a holy God. Many believers coming together to mark this makes a tempting target. "Christmas is a time when Christians gather for Christmas Day services or Christmas Eve services. If you are looking for a large group of Christians to attack, they're all gathered at one place, at one time."

Nettleton says as the family of God, those who are not living through the persecution experienced by believers in hostile countries still have a responsibility. "The first and most important thing is that we pray. Secondly, though, I think we can keep our eyes open because it's important for the government officials to know that Christians here are watching and are aware of what's going on to make sure that it's on their radar."

You can read the full report here.