Do you wonder what Christmas is like for Christians living in hostile or restricted nations? Usually, it’s very much different to the celebrations we are accustomed to as followers of Christ here in New Zealand!

The Christmas season can be a time of intense and increasing persecution for Christians in many nations. Because it’s the most well-known Christian holiday, it means that those who celebrate it become a target by the authorities and other groups who would seek to stop any recognition of Christ in their countries. And it goes far beyond replacing “Merry Christmas” with “Happy Holidays” in corporate greeting cards...

When Christians are found acting out their Christian faith, even celebrating holidays like Christmas, they can become a target. Churches can be burned and bombed, even on Christmas Day itself.

How you can Pray for the Persecuted this Christmas

• Pray for believers in hostile and restricted nations to know the presence and peace of the Lord this Christmas.

• Pray that God will comfort all those who were bereaved or injured in attacks in this past year.

• And Pray that 2018 will bring peace and security to their families.

Download a list of these and more prayer points for the Persecuted Church at www.voiceofthemartyrs.org.nz