Religion and Ethics and Health BBS

Religion and Ethics and Health BBS
[ Religion and Ethics and Health BBS ]

The Dangerous Joy of Christmas

Posted by BornToFarm on December 7, 2025, 4:52 pm

The Dangerous Joy of Christmas: Standing With Persecuted Christians This Season

Christmas is a joyous season for Christians as we gather and celebrate the birth of our Savior, rejoicing in the hope that God Himself entered the world in the form of a human child. But for millions of our Christian brothers and sisters, these celebrations must occur behind closed doors, with whispered carols in the shadow of danger. For them, Christmas is a season of heightened risk.

History shows that Christmas Day is a favored target for those intent on harming Christians. For those who hate Christians, what better day to demonstrate that hatred than the day Christians celebrate Christ’s birth? In 2011, bomb blasts and shootings struck churches in the Nigerian cities of Madalla, Jos, Gadaka, and Damaturu during Christmas Day services. Forty-one worshipers were killed. Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks.

Two years later, in Baghdad, three bombings targeting Christians on Christmas Day claimed 38 more lives and wounded 70.

In the days leading up to Christmas 2024, 46 people were killed in various attacks across Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, believers simply seeking to worship, pray, and celebrate the birth of Christ.

The timing of these attacks is not random. In many countries, it is tradition for Christians to gather on Christmas morning for a worship service and celebration, creating a target-rich environment for persecutors. Attacks on Christmas are a statement by those opposed to Christians and the spread of the Gospel. Their hope, I believe, is to create fear among Christians. By targeting sacred Christian holidays, attackers know they will generate media attention, which in turn creates more fear.

Despite increased danger, persecuted Christians in hostile and restricted nations will continue to gather and celebrate Christ’s birth. They will continue to sing and proclaim the hope only Christ brings.

This Christmas, I invite you to pray boldly and specifically for persecuted Christians.

Pray for God’s Word to Go Forth

Pray believers in hostile or restricted nations will have access to Scripture. Pray that Bibles smuggled into closed nations will go unnoticed, and that every Christian who reads or hears God’s Word will be strengthened in truth.

Pray for Fellowship

Millions of Christians live where gathering for worship is outright illegal or secretly monitored. Pray for safe meeting places, protection from informants, and creative strategies for discipling new believers — including those who live among their persecutors.

Pray for Daily Provision

In many places, Christians lose jobs, homes, and family support because of their faith in Christ. They must rely on the generosity of other Christians. Pray their needs will be met and that this provision will soften hearts and draw unbelievers to Christ.

Pray for Gospel Tools

Frontline workers need transportation, discipleship materials, and courage as they minister to both the receptive and the hostile. Pray for open doors and softened hearts, especially among those who oppose the Gospel.

Pray for Comfort

While Christmas is a time of celebration, persecuted believers often feel the pain of loss more deeply during the season. Many are separated from loved ones by prison walls or mourning family members martyred for their faith.

This Christmas, as we gather in safety and joy in America, let us remember those who gather in danger and uncertainty. Their courage should inspire us. Their faith should strengthen ours. And their perseverance should remind us that the true message of Christmas — Immanuel, God with us — is powerful enough to sustain believers everywhere, even in the most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ.

May we stand with them, pray for them, and celebrate alongside them the hope of Christ who came at Christmas to save, redeem, and make all things new.

Todd Nettleton is the host of The Voice of the Martyrs Radio. For 25+ years, Todd has traveled the world and conducted face-to-face interviews with hundreds of persecuted Christians. Todd is the author of “When Faith Is Forbidden: 40 Days on the Frontlines with Persecuted Christians.”

https://townhall.com/columnists/todd-nettleton/2025/12/07/the-dangerous-joy-of-christmas-standing-with-persecuted-christians-this-season-n2667257

I wish advertisers wold quit bastardizing Christmas/Religious Music for profit ...

Posted by Mondo Fuego™ on December 14, 2025, 6:42 pm, in reply to "The Dangerous Joy of Christmas"

... to advertise their crude, superfluous wares.

Spend, spend, spend.

Buy stuff nobody wants or needs.

Ruin Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite".

This senseless killing is obviously wrong and

Posted by Dancing Digits on December 12, 2025, 9:17 pm, in reply to "The Dangerous Joy of Christmas"

no matter who the target is everyone should stand against it.

Commercialization of Christmas

Posted by Christopher Blackwell on December 11, 2025, 6:04 pm, in reply to "The Dangerous Joy of Christmas"

To me the saddest thing about Christmas in our country is how commercialized it has become. Too many people bankrupt themselves, creating levels f stress that creates misery, sometimes for months after in paying the debt off.

Over the years we paired down greatly - no fluff

Posted by trish on December 16, 2025, 12:17 pm, in reply to " Commercialization of Christmas"

something fun for the kids, and something useful. Perhaps homemade ornaments for family and friend. I also like making "cooking" stuff, like this year's finishing salts.

We rarely celebrate ON the holiday date. This lets our adult kids go wherever they need and we set up something a few days later for our little gang.

Traditions still matter. Angie, our Christmas topper is now 70 plus years old. A litte worse for the wear. She lost her horn along the way (still looking for the right size). It will be a generational ornament along with glass pieces.

Our other traditions center around food (no surprise). My mom's roast beast. Dad's cranberry sauce and anise sugar cookies. I would hang tinsel one at a time but for having cats. Little things. Meaningful things.

It's been turned into a spend-a-thon, that's for sure.

Posted by Dancing Digits on December 12, 2025, 9:14 pm, in reply to " Commercialization of Christmas"

and its not always easy to resist that new "pretty shiney" thing

Posted by trish on December 16, 2025, 1:40 pm, in reply to "It's been turned into a spend-a-thon, that's for sure."

Depending on where you are, other faiths experience persecution.

Posted by trish on December 8, 2025, 2:36 pm, in reply to "The Dangerous Joy of Christmas"

I don't wish it for anyone.

But they aren’t the topic

Posted by observer on December 9, 2025, 4:11 pm, in reply to "Depending on where you are, other faiths experience persecution."

and I’d be very surprised if asimilar post were made re paganism that there would be facts and numbers anywhere near what is happening now, maybe ever. I’m willing to learn . . . from established reliable sources.

I, too, think it’s abominable no matter the target.

It appears you have a stalker. And an unceasingly abusive one, at that.

Posted by Mugwump on December 9, 2025, 11:17 am, in reply to "Depending on where you are, other faiths experience persecution."

Paganism is "faith"? In what or whom.

Posted by Mondo Fuego™ on December 9, 2025, 10:11 am, in reply to "Depending on where you are, other faiths experience persecution."

LOLS:-)). Maybe a tree can answer a prayer? Or an apple.

Posted by GOG on December 9, 2025, 10:52 am, in reply to "Paganism is "faith"? In what or whom."

The curse of Cain’s foolish gift.

Interesting question.

Posted by Dancing Digits on December 12, 2025, 9:27 pm, in reply to "LOLS:-)). Maybe a tree can answer a prayer? Or an apple. "

Everything need not be taken so literally. I doubt Pagans are praying to trees and apples and expecting answers - or maybe knowledge really does grow on trees, like in Genesis?

Being a good steward and honoring the gift we were given in Earth

Posted by trish on December 13, 2025, 8:24 am, in reply to "Interesting question."

is hardly worship. It's respect and mindfulness.

People would be surprised to know that most pagans pray, meditate on their beliefs, give thanks, gather to celebrate.

We light candles (eek) to symbolize the Light of the Universe.

People who say such things fear what they do not understand (and for the most part haven't tried to understand)

Re: Being a good steward and honoring the gift we were given in Earth

Posted by Dancing Digits on December 13, 2025, 10:12 am, in reply to "Being a good steward and honoring the gift we were given in Earth"

Many religions use symbolism and metaphors. If we are to take everything so literally all of the time, then according to Genesis serpents really do talk and knowledge grows on trees.

I am surprised GOG made references to trees and apples. He must know of the story in Genesis. My guess is he was being snarky.

I've never seen Paganism as devil worship. Many Pagan ideas and rituals are paralleled in Christianity. I see close similarities between magic and miracles, the rebirth/renewal of life with Easter & the celebration of the Spring Equinox, Christmas celebrations with Saturnalia and the birth of Jesus with the return of the sun. . .

There are other religions with similar parallels

Posted by trish on December 15, 2025, 8:30 am, in reply to "Re: Being a good steward and honoring the gift we were given in Earth"

This article covers a small bit of them

http://hiline.cfschools.org/2020/12/beyond-christmas-how-other-religions-celebrate-the-winter-solstice/

do a little research

Posted by trish on December 11, 2025, 6:57 am, in reply to "LOLS:-)). Maybe a tree can answer a prayer? Or an apple. "

The U.S. military recognizes Heathen and Pagan religions, and specific branches like Wicca were officially recognized in 1986.

It is legally recognized in the United States and the United Kingdom, with specific groups like Wicca also receiving recognition

I can (and do) legally marry and bury.

many Pagan traditions offer paths to ordination, though requirements vary widely by specific path (Wiccan, Heathen, Druid, etc.) and often involve dedicated study, community service, and specific training programs or self-directed work, leading to roles as ministers, chaplains, or priests/priestesses, recognized legally for performing ceremonies like weddings

Small wonder no Christmas music in commercial establishments.

Posted by GOG on December 11, 2025, 3:17 pm, in reply to "do a little research"

Are you offended by Christian Christmas music?

I like a lot of music including holiday

Posted by Trish on December 11, 2025, 4:37 pm, in reply to "Small wonder no Christmas music in commercial establishments. "

I'm not a fan of Christmas Music but...

Posted by Mugwump on December 11, 2025, 5:05 pm, in reply to "I like a lot of music including holiday"

If I'm asked to perform Cantique De Noel and I can be there to do so, I'm more than ready. Glorious piece of music

Ah that high note! Everyone just waits to hear it!!

Posted by Dancing Digits on December 12, 2025, 9:37 pm, in reply to "I'm not a fan of Christmas Music but..."

Generally a Bb4 for me. I can push it if feeling great, but

Posted by Mugwump on December 16, 2025, 2:32 pm, in reply to "Ah that high note! Everyone just waits to hear it!!"

that's rare.

what about B after (lol)

Posted by trish on December 17, 2025, 10:00 am, in reply to "Generally a Bb4 for me. I can push it if feeling great, but"

Incidentally, you have some beatitude.

Posted by Mugwump on December 18, 2025, 11:48 am, in reply to "what about B after (lol)"

I love puns!

Posted by trish on December 19, 2025, 2:23 am, in reply to "Incidentally, you have some beatitude."

People have been executed for less.

Posted by Mugwump on December 18, 2025, 11:47 am, in reply to "what about B after (lol)"

than imitating Deanna

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