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"On the night of Christmas, hatred will vanish.
On the night of Christmas, war is buried."
For 13-year-old Mironda in Iraq, these lyrics she sings from her church paint a picture of both the horror she's lived through and heard about all her life—and the power of Jesus' birth in her life. Her wish for the new year is for the people of her country to "be good, safe and loved, without conflicts."
Mironda is part of one of the church partners supported by Open Doors. For her, church has become a refuge. She sings in the church choir, rehearsing weekly for about two months to participate during her church's Christmas service.
Our field recently shared Christmas videos from around the world, bringing us a little closer to the reality of Christians who are persecuted for their faith and how far the pressure extends—even to the youngest believers. Words such as "war" and "conflict" are common in their Christmas prayers and worship—words no child should have to think about, especially during Christmas.
But through their messages, they show us resilient faith in action, as they sing or speak of hope for a future and a better world. We can learn much from their words and joy. Come with us today to Iraq, Southeast Asia, Central African Republic, Uganda, Malaysia, and Palestine to meet young believers who are following Jesus in places hostile to them and their faith.
Meet Prince, 14, Amandine, 11, De Grace, 11, Luisa, 12, Jordy, 10, and Loise, 6, from the Central African Republic (CAR). They are orphans whose parents were killed in 2020 by a rebel group. Their parents were active members of the local church and the children regularly participated in Sunday school.
Prince and Loise live with family members who took them in after their parents' deaths, and the other four were adopted by church members. The kids recently received Christmas gifts (footballs, dolls, and other toys) from Open Doors. The kids have lived through unimaginable sorrow, yet they bring joy. Watch as they gather to sing "Christmas Day is a Day of Joy, for Jesus Christ is Born."
13 year old Safari* remembers when the Islamic extremist group Allied Democratic Forces came to his village in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The attack sent several families fleeing, including Safari's. Because of repeated attacks, Safari and his family have fled for safety several times. They currently live as internally displaced people (IDPs) in Bunia, the capital of Safari's province. His Christmas message is sobering and also reminds us that Safari is still a child who, like all children, wants Christmas gifts. Please pray with Safari this Christmas.
The Ugandan children you see here are persecuted by their community for their parents' decision to leave Islam and follow Jesus. Recently, families from two churches gathered to celebrate Christmas together. Their churches are led by pastors from the same background. Because of your support, Open Doors' local partners can serve Ugandan churches like these that care for these children and other young Christians within their communities. Listen as these children show us how to rejoice.
In this restricted country in Southeast Asia, public celebration of Christmas is forbidden. Even simple expressions, such as decorating outside their homes, are not allowed. These young people deeply long to join in traditional Christmas caroling, to sing freely in the streets, as many do around the world.
Instead, they gather privately and celebrate in their own way within the walls of their house church. Let their unrestrained joy wash over you today.
Open Doors' field partners recently visited young believers in East Malaysia who face increasing pressure from the majority religion and the challenges of persecution to encourage them and help them see that Christianity is a life-changing journey with Christ. Without a deep, rooted faith, they risk being discouraged and potentially walking away from their faith in Jesus. Our partners led them in a familiar Christmas carol. Watch as these children sing "Feliz Navidad" at the top of their lungs.
In Iraq, Mironda ends her song with words we can all cling to and remember as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior with persecuted Christians around the world:
"On the night of Christmas,
the earth blooms...
On the night of Christmas,
Love is born."
*Name changed to protect security