What Jesus cares about
Christmas is the time of year when we celebrate loudly with friends and family. But what if you live in a place where celebrating Jesus is forbidden?
For you will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian. (Isaiah 9:4)
Did you celebrate Christmas with family and friends yesterday?
Many of us did. Some of us celebrated early. Others may be celebrating late. Today I get to spend the afternoon with four dear friends who I consider my sisters. This year has been one of the hardest of my life for many reasons, not just because of the personal losses we have weathered. But one thing has been true throughout all the grief and sadness and weariness: I was never alone.
Yes, I always had Jesus. He has never left my side. He isn’t just my Savior; He’s my best friend. He has been my closest confidante since I was seven years old.
But I have also had my community. I have friends. Coworkers and colleagues have gone out of their way this year to make sure I felt seen. Ministry partners at my church have sent cards and stopped to talk to me when they absolutely had other more important things to do.
So my Christmas hasn’t been lonely or dreary or grim. It’s been full of light and life and laughter and joy. It’s been fun. I’m so grateful because it didn’t have to be that way. If God had sent me a different direction in life, Christmas might not have been so full.
Every year, my church runs an outreach program called Project Generosity, and one of the many ministries we support is the Voice of the Martyrs. It’s a global organization that supports missionary families and Christians who are being persecuted around the world.
Real persecution. Not this nonsense where Americans feel awkward because people look at them funny for praying in public. We’re talking imprisonment, acid thrown in their faces, kidnapping, assaults, and public beatings. American Christians don’t know real persecution.
Those Christians in nations hostile toward Christ have to celebrate Christmas differently. Some of them have to celebrate in secret. Some of them have to celebrate in prison. Some of them have to celebrate when they are missing someone from their family who they don’t know if they’ll get to see again.
May we never forget that God deeply cares about those who suffer for His name. For those people who are being punished because of their faith in Him, God sees them. He knows each and every one of them. He remembers each tear, and He won’t let their sacrifices be futile.
For those of us who are blessed to celebrate our faith with our friends and family in freedom and safety and abundance, let’s not forget those who are suffering around the world because of their faith. If you can spare a prayer for them today, offer one up. And if you are willing to do more, maybe consider donating.
Jesus cares about those who are suffering. Shouldn’t we?
Questions for Reflection
Why is it so easy for American Christians to turn away from the suffering of our brothers and sisters around the world?
How can we know that God cares about people who are suffering unjustly?
What is one way you can remember our persecuted brothers and sisters in the coming year?
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