For the last several years from December to February we have had the habit of conducting Christmas gatherings for children. This year was no exception. All this time I was praying that the Lord would open doors to the places where we could boldly proclaim the Gospel of Salvation. The Lord heard our prayers and opened dozens of doors: schools, hospitals, sanitoriums, hommes for disabled children, orphanages for the deaf and developmentally disabled, tuberculosis clinics, rehabilitation centers for children with infections of the nervous system, a juvenile home and more. Our Christmas celebrations concluded with our time at one of the village schools. In total about 3,000 children of our region heard the true story of Christmas and of our Lord.

 

A Few Words about Our Program...

At the start of our meetings we usually wish the children a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas. Then we ask our young audience a question: "Which one of these celebrations is more important?" Most of the children put the New Year in first place.* After games, competitions and songs we explain the meaning of the two holidays to the children. It makes us very happy when the children change their opinion see that the most important holiday is not New Years, but CHRISTMAAAAS!!!

About the Gifts...

What's Christmas without gifts? The generous families of Salvation Church collected a number of boxes with happy surprises. We distributed these presents at the rehabilitation center and at the city leukemia clinic. Most of the gifts, however, came to us thanks to the ministry of Samaritan's Purse. We praise God for everyone who participates in this project! The children were delighted and we were very happy to explain to them that the presents are a demonstration that God loves and cares for them.

About Ukraine...

All of our Christmas gatherings took place against the backdrop of the continuing troubling events in Ukraine. Things are still not peaceful... The children didn't understand why these things are happening; didn't the angels sing about the new-born child: "Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth..." (Luke 2:14) We explained that Jesus came to us to give us peace with God, peace that was ruined by our sin. Everything that is happening in the world and in our country, in particular, is the result of the choices that people make to walk in disobedience to God. Then we and the children prayed for reconciliation with God and peace in Ukraine. Let's continue to pray for the future of our country, for girls and boys, that they might also have peace with God and not repeat the mistakes of the grown-ups. "And that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God". Psalm 78:8.

Maidan...

"Maidan" began in November and we think it will end soon, bringing Ukraine many wonderful changes. Without a doubt, this is a very important event for Ukraine. This realization has united us in a number of undertakings, in fasting and fervent prayer. But all of us should understand that there has always been a more important "Maidan" for the church - a beachhead in a continual struggle. That is the struggle for the souls of children and adults who are under a more terrible, nefarious, corrupt world power and its ruler, that can bring them to eternal separation from God "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ephesians 6:12. That is the realization that should keep us completely "battle ready", so that we might be not less, but more vigorous in this battle against sin for the souls of those around us. For Christians this "Maidan" will not end until we are in Heaven. Lord, help us remember this and be "heroes" fo this true "Maidan" in every way!

Vladimir Golyuk

*Translator's note: owing to to fact that Orthodox Christmas falls a week after the New Year, and that the celebration of Christmas was discouraged under the Soviet Union, the New Year became the main gift-giving holiday.