International (MNN) – The world’s hardships can make Advent joy feel distant. Yet the unconditional hope believers have in Christ has not changed since the day He came to Earth.
As we prepare for Christmas, the headlines we see daily are anything but festive. Occupation, crisis, persecution — sound familiar? That’s the backdrop Jesus was born into.
Denise Godwin of International Media Ministries reminds us that the first Christmas didn’t happen in calm.
“What Herod did in Bethlehem was a persecution, was a terrible thing,” Godwin says. “If we saw that in the headlines today, we’d be horrified and freaked out!”
This Advent, the persecuted Church needs intercession from fellow believers (Photo courtesy of Ismael Paramo via Unsplash)
And still — this is the Advent message: joy despite the threat.
“Jesus also has seen these things and is walking this crazy world out with us,” Godwin says, “to help us be able to see the peace that surpasses all understanding — peace that will come one day in a perfect way when Jesus returns.”
Many people around the world are suffering — persecuted Christians, communities under bombardment, and families facing natural disasters. Believers have an opportunity to respond with generosity toward these needs.
“So there’s so much opportunity to extend the Branch of Jesus Christ as our one and only hope,” Godwin says.
Christians in these regions continue to stand on the good news. Those in safer parts of the world have a responsibility to pray for the persecuted Church to remain steadfast and strong in faith.
And the chaos surrounding Jesus’ birth reminds us that God is with us — and God is at work.
“What a beautiful thing if we can pause in the chaos of headlines, the chaos of Christmas plans and travels, and say, God is at work, and He is multiplying the people who are going to join the great chorus in heaven one day!” Godwin says.
May your Advent involve prayer for different nations. Visit International Media Ministries to learn how they bring Jesus to many through media!
Header photo: The Holy Family Stained Glass Artwork (Photo courtesy of Pixabay via Pexels).
