The True Meaning of Christmas

Members of the NATIVITY:NIGERIA mission team joined together in prayer tonight. The team gathered to pray for peace in Nigeria, and ask for God blessing over our partners there. He has faithfully guided our partnership with Faith Alive and Anawim, and especially protected and shepherded our partners during this difficult time of political and religious turmoil. As a church community, we are so grateful for God's continued provision through this partnership.

NATIVITY:NIGERIA Gathering In Prayer

In remembering our partners during this Christmas season, our team prayed through a passage of scripture which is particularly relevant to our partnerships in Nigeria.
And there were, in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manager.' And suddenly there was with the angle, a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men.' - Luke 2:8-14

As Linus reminds Charlie Brown after reading this scripture passage in the 1965 classic holiday movie, "This, Charlie Brown, is the true meaning of Christmas." The passage serves as a reminder that we live in a world not governed by our wealth, possessions, or lavish gifts under the tree, but instead, defined by and globally united through the Savior's unwavering love for each of us. 

We pray in anticipation of a miracle this Christmas season, and in praise and gratitude for continued peace in Nigeria. May God shepherd our brothers and sisters at Faith Alive Hospital and Anawim Home, and bless their communities this Christmas.