News / Thoughts

Christmas for young Christians facing persecution

In many countries, Christian children celebrate Christmas in the shadow of conflict and persecution. Despite this, the festive season remains a time of joy and excitement as they remember the birth of Jesus. You can meet these courageous children in photos and quotes from Colombia, Egypt, Iran and more.

Image: Elizabeth from Colombia

Elizabeth (6) is from Colombia. Her parents work at the Children’s Centre run by Open Doors local partners. “When it’s dark, Jesus makes sure I don’t fall,” she says.

This year, Chantin (11) from Nepal – where Christians can face persecution from Hindu extremists – is looking forward to dancing and singing with her Christmas carol group. “Jesus gave me a peaceful life and a beautiful family,” she says.

Image: Sham from Syria

Despite growing up knowing war and persecution, Sham (11) from Syria always looks forward to Christmas. If she could write those who persecute Christians a letter, she’d write, “God loves and wants to give His light to us, but you want to destroy it, why do you want that? God can light up your lives as well if you want to let Him do that.”

Irene (11) lives in Egypt, where Christians are typically treated as second-class citizens. “Jesus is love and my country needs love,” she says. “All our problems come from a lack of love. I pray that God touches the hearts of all people and that peace and love will be in Egypt.”

Image: Kaaren from Syria

Kaaren (13, above) is from Iran but had to flee to Turkey when he was five. “In the difficult moments, the only thing that helped us was Jesus who strengthened us to endure,” he shares. “He enlightened the dark path that we have been on.”

Pray now…

• Give thanks for the inspiring faith and example of these children
• That Christian children affected by persecution and conflict will have precious times celebrating Christmas with family and friends
• For the protection and wellbeing of young Christians around the world.

Do something

1. Download our free Christmas session outline! Grab a free Christmas session outline to use in your youth/small groups in the build up to Christmas!
Get it here…

2. Pray regularly: Every Monday night at 7pm we’ll be praying one prayer for one minute for the one in seven Christians around the world who face persecution. Set an alarm and tune in…