The world in my living room
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.’”
Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
Serving the Lord through international missions is fantastic. I would be miserable doing anything else. However, there is one time of year that seems difficult-Christmas. I am thousands of miles away from my extended family and friends and from “normal” holiday activities. Many missionaries serve in countries where Christmas isn’t celebrated or it’s celebrated differently. So we make new holiday traditions.
One Christmas, I was feeling particularly homesick. Since I work with refugees seeking asylum, many of my friends were experiencing similar emotions. We decided to have a Christmas celebration at our house, and people from nations all over the world were gathered around our Christmas tree. Some were believers, but most were not. We had Bibles in several languages, and we read the story of the coming Messiah from each one.
As I listened, I realized that Christ is the great news for all people. I couldn’t help but praise God for showing me a glimpse of what heaven will be like. People from every nation and tongue will bow before His throne in worship and praise. Christmas made this possible. The gift of Jesus and His incredible salvation is to be shared with the world, and I had the privilege of having part of the world in my living room.
Since that Christmas, we open up our home to the world. It’s the best tradition ever! Even you can invite people from other countries to your home at Christmas and give them love and comfort during the holidays.
Father, make it possible for me to invite people of other nationalities into my home or to my church for Christmas. Make many opportunities for missionaries to do the same as a way to introduce Jesus to others. Amen.
Text exerpt from Voices of the Faithful. Order your own copy from the
International Mission Board
Resource Center