The meaning of Christmas changes after finding Jesus

By Susan Akyeampong | SIM International in

As we draw closer to Christmas, we heard from people involved in SIM’s ministry projects all over the world, sharing how the hope brought by Jesus’ birth has changed their lives.  Since finding Jesus and accepting Him into their hearts, Christmas has taken on a whole new and beautiful meaning. 

Joshuwa

Joshuwa, 18, is a student at the Mongu Youth Center, run by SIM Zambia.

“I attend church services on Christmas Eve, overnight and Christmas Day which is a national holiday on which many Christians go to church to thank God for his gift of Jesus.

Christmas is in fact an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus – our Saviour and friend.”

Mayu

Mayu, 31, was the first Japanese friend that Hanna, a SIM Japan cross-cultural worker, made when she arrived in Japan. When they first met, she wasn't sure about Jesus and her faith. 

As their friendship deepened, Mayu not only became one of Hanna’s closest friends but also gave her life to Jesus and is now someone she can rely on for church ministries. She shines brightly with her love for Jesus.

For Mayu, Christmas used to be just another happy event celebrated every December. It was her favorite season, with places in Japan glimmering with festive lights. She would have a Christmas party with her family and friends, exchange gifts, and enjoy a special Christmas dinner with a Christmas cake.

Since Jesus came into her life, Christmas holds a deeper meaning . She looks forward to going to church to attend the Christmas service, celebrating Jesus, who always gives her immense love and encouragement. Christmas remains her favorite time of year, and now she celebrates it with the most important person in her life, Jesus.

Siomon

Siomon, 22, is an Assistant Art Teacher for the Art Programme at the Mongu Youth Center, run by SIM Zambia.

“I celebrate Christmas by attending Christmas Day Church Service. This service often includes  scripture readings, hymns, a message about the birth of Christ Jesus, praying, praise and worship.

Christmas is a day of celebration for Christians, remembering the birth of Lord Jesus, the son of God Almighty, creator of the universe, and savior of the world. It is a reminder of God's love to me.”

Asana

Asana is involved in outreach to youth and children through a youth club run by SIM Ghana. She also leads a reading group that gives opportunities for them to experience God's great love.

Before Asana came to know Christ, she would pass by a church and was drawn to the joy, dancing and celebration that was so different from the religion she was following.
 
Her first Christmas, she sneaked into church to join them as she was afraid for others to see her and stop her.

Today, she is no longer afraid for others to see that she follows Jesus, she has become one of the people joyfully celebrating God’s lovely Son Jesus at Christmas. 

"I am far different today with Christ in my life, the things I used to do, I have left those things behind. Somehow I used to try and have my own hope, but now I have God's hope that is always there and is far better."

Alvin

Alvin, 42, is an Apprentice Facilitator for the Trauma Healing Program run by SIM Zambia and is a volunteer at the Mongu Youth Center.

“I celebrate Christmas by reflecting and appreciating God's grace and mercies toward me, by allowing His Son to come into my life, lead me to eternity, and make me a child of God.
This has been made possible through him, Jesus Christ. Because he is in my life, I allow him to work through me, especially in preaching the gospel to the world, so that many who were lost would be saved and experience Christ's presence in their own lives.

For me, Christmas means that I am no longer alone but live for Christ, who has been born in me. It also means that I should do things according to his will, because he now sees me as a brother, a friend, and a co-worker in his Father’s kingdom. It means I should protect the Christ who lives in me, not do things that would defile my body and lead me away from him.”

These testimonies from Joshuwa, Mayu, Siomon, Asana, and Alvin show us the universal truth of Christmas: Jesus brings hope, joy, and transformation to every heart that welcomes him. 

As you reflect on their stories, our prayer is that you would be inspired to experience and share the boundless love of Christ this Christmas.

• Prayer:
• ●    Pray for those who do not yet know Jesus, that this Christmas, they would experience his transformative love.
• ●    Pray for SIM workers around the world, that their ministries would continue to shine the light of Jesus in every corner of the world.
• ●    Pray for strength and encouragement for new believers, that their faith would grow and inspire others to follow Christ.