Thinking of our Persecuted Family This Christmas

While many of us in North America are busily preparing for memorable family gatherings during the Christmas season, there are believers around the world who have been separated from their loved ones for years – merely because of their faith in our Lord Jesus. How they are longing to see them, speak to them, hold onto them again....

While we eagerly enjoy generous helpings of Christmas dinner – and a variety of delectable home-baked treats – our persecuted family members are hoping for something that’s at least edible and will provide them enough sustenance to keep going another day.

While we can joyously sing Christmas carols and worship our Saviour so freely in our community churches, there are families whose lives are threatened at the mere prospect of attending church. For them, what should be one of the most joyful times of year may potentially end up being one of the most painful.

While we celebrate the “Good News” of our Saviour’s arrival, which took place that first Christmas day, may we also keep in mind our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world who are not so privileged. Please take a brief moment to lift them up in prayer, asking the Lord to personally minister to each of His beloved children in a very special way.... After all, that’s one of the primary reasons for Him coming to “dwell among us” here on earth.

The family of Haik Hovsepian, an Iranian Christian martyred in 1994, has produced a music video highlighting the conflicts faced by many Iranian believers today and how Christians around the world can be bound with them (Hebrews 13:3).