Christmas is a joy in itself. Ultimately, we joy in the gift of a Savior who is Christ Jesus coming to earth to save us from the consequence of our sins against God and restore true, eternal peace. We also delight in joyful memories that are produced around loved ones as we gather together to celebrate Christ’s birth.
But while we sang glad songs to our Messiah, across the sea many shed great tears of tragedy.
Nigeria
Early Christmas morning, 12 Christians were killed by gunmen. These killings occurred during open attacks against the Christian community that included raids upon two churches and in numerous Christian homes. While the assailants have yet to be confirmed, the BBC strongly believes it to be none other than the aggressive Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram that has claimed the lives of over 700 Christians in 2012.
Boko Haram is devoted to convert the entire nation of Nigeria into an Islamic state and since beginning of this year has demanded every Christian to leave the country. Last Christmas, Boko Haram massacred 44 believers.
Iran
We all rejoiced in September when we received the news of Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s release from prison. On Christmas Day Pastor Nadarkhani was rearrested by Iranian authorities. According to the Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Pastor Nadarkhani has to complete the remainder of his time in prison (45 days) and finish uncompleted paperwork.
Since October 2009, Pastor Nadarkhani has been detained in prison without bail for his protest against his children being taught the Qur’an in school. Later on, Iranian authorities also charged Pastor Nardarkhani with apostasy and converting Muslims which is illegal in Iran.
During his time in prison, Pastor Nadarkhani has suffered aggressive persuasion to recant his faith and also had been sentenced to be executed on several occasions that were continually dropped because of the overwhelmingly outcry by the international community on Pastor Nadarkhani’s behalf.
WHAT GOD DID
While here on earth, Jesus did promise to those who would testify of Him, will suffer persecution. In fact Jesus said,
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:18-19 NKJV).
As followers of Jesus, being persecuted is part of what it means to belong to Christ. Paul made this evident to us in Philippians 1:29: “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.”
God sees our brothers and sisters suffering for His cause. We should honor their work to proclaim Christ, and God has stored great eternal rewards for their exchange to risk their lives to expand God’s kingdom.
WHAT WE CAN DO
1. PRAY
>These people are suffering at the hands of sinful, depraved people who are plagued by Satan’s hatred for God’s people. We hate their sin, but desire that these sinners be reconciled to God. We need to PRAY that God save them.
>PRAY for the peace of Nigeria from all the mass genocides, especially the attacks against Christians.
>PRAY for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani’s immediate release. God got out once. He can do it again. Also PRAY for him to remain unharmed while detained and for strength for his family.
2. PUBLICIZE
The social media is a very powerful tool of influence today. Get the word across – wherever, however – telling the world, we don’t tolerate these social injustices.
Feel free to repost this blog for the purpose of promoting public awareness of these social injustices.
FOLLOW THE SON 