Through persecution and genocide, some Christians just can't be stopped from celebrating Christmas. I'd like to believe all true Christians would be so strong.

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Orissa Girl Thanks God for Surviving

CBNNews.com
December 22, 2008

CBNNews.com - Christmas is a time for giving and this year, one Indian girl received a gift she'll never forget.

Ten-year-old Namrata Nayak survived a wave of violence against Christians in Orissa last summer, but much of her face was burned and disfigured.

She spent 45 days in the hospital after a bomb planted by militant Hindus exploded in her house.

Still, Namrata says she's thanking Jesus for giving her life and after several surgeries, she is recovering well.

She attended a recent Christmas party held by the Global Council of Indian Christians in Bangalore.

Namrata said she forgives her attackers and wants to be a preacher when she grows up so she can share Jesus with her enemies.

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Orissa Widows Get Early Christmas Gift

CBNNews.com
December 15, 2008

CWN.org - Victims of the recent violence against Christians in India haven't had much to cheer about.

Many are still homeless and confined to relief camps.

But this week the Global Council of Indian Christians brought a bit of Christmas joy to the lives of 21 widows. The women were brought to festivities in Bangalore.

Their husbands were killed this fall when militant hindus attacked their villages near Kandhamal.

Militant Hindus are threatening more violence against Orissa state Christians this Christmas season

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Many [are] my persecutors and mine enemies; [yet] do I not decline from thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:157

Sometimes, a story on the internet gives me hope for the future. Christian values can help make the most out of a bad economy.

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Teach Your Kids to Spend Less, Give More

By Lorie Johnson
CBN News
December 22, 2008

CBNNews.com - The economic downturn means Christmas will be a little leaner for some folks.

That fact has some parents concerned about how their children will react to fewer toys under the tree. But's there's a right way to talk about money problems with your kids.

Less money in the family budget this Christmas can actually strengthen your child's character. Psychologist Linda Mintle says parents should reassure their children they'll be fine, while explaining money will now only be spent on things the family needs. Put your kids on an allowance or encourage teens to get a job and teach them to appreciate giving more.

"I love the tradition that I know a lot of families do, which is a gratitude list," Mintle said. " sitting down and going over all the blessings, and having like a day of gratitude before Christmas. Maybe 25 days of gratitude to get kids re-focused on the blessings that they already have."

Since Jesus sacrificed to give people everlasting joy, Christmastime is an ideal opportunity to teach children to sacrifice for others.

Teach children to give to charity and church, and to give their time to others, like at a soup kitchen or retirement home.

"Instead of sitting around having everything revolve around you, go and be with somebody else and give of yourself in a way that shows love and caring for another person," Mintle explained. "Those are good sacrifices to teach kids."

The family faith is strengthened by reminding each other that God is in control and will provide.

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Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.
Albert Schweitzer
French philosopher & physician (1875 - 1965)