When They Won’t Be Home for Christmas
For many people, the Christmas season draws families together over food, music, and special services at church to celebrate the incarnation of our Savior.
Some people travel great distances to spend time with family members during this season. But some of our Heartland brothers and sisters have traveled great distances away from their homes and families to spread the good news of our Incarnate Savior. Returning home for a Christmas Eve service followed by a traditional meal and hot chocolate isn’t possible.
Converge Heartland churches support many missionaries who will be celebrating Christ’s birth and perhaps creating a new mix of traditions for the season all around the globe. While we’d love to have them with us during this time of year, we know (and they know, too!) the work they are called to do is in obedience to the very Savior we celebrate!
Here are a few ways we can lift up our missionaries in prayer during the Christmas season:
Opportunities to share the gospel – Yes, we always pray for this! But Christmas is a unique time when those who rejoice in Jesus’ birth can share traditions with people curious about this holiday and plant seeds of the gospel.
Contentment and creativity – Our missionaries might not be able to find the staples for their traditional holiday feast. Let’s be honest, food is a huge part of this season! Pray for them to enjoy getting creative and making new traditions, content with what is available to them.
Technology – No doubt families are scheduling phone or video calls to connect with their loved ones. Pray for access to power and internet for these virtual visits (and maybe for those New Year’s Day bowl games, too).
Hope and joy – Pray the hope of the gospel will refresh their own hearts as they celebrate the birth of Christ. Ask God to renew their passion to follow his will and for the joy of the Lord to be their daily strength!
Involve your church – Have your missions team members personally connect over Zoom with the missionaries supported by your church. Listen to the stories of their current days, ministry successes, and matters for prayer. Then pray with them in that moment. Hearing a voice from home and seeing a familiar face gives indescribable encouragement!