Christmas for young Christians facing persecution

In many countries, Christian children celebrate Christmas in the shadow of conflict and persecution. Despite this, the festive season remains a time of joy and excitement as they remember the birth of Jesus. You can meet these courageous children in photos and quotes from Colombia, Egypt, Iran and more.

Image: Elizabeth from Colombia

Elizabeth (6) is from Colombia. Her parents work at the Children’s Centre run by Open Doors local partners. “When it’s dark, Jesus makes sure I don’t fall,” she says.

This year, Chantin (11) from Nepal – where Christians can face persecution from Hindu extremists – is looking forward to dancing and singing with her Christmas carol group. “Jesus gave me a peaceful life and a beautiful family,” she says.

Image: Sham from Syria

Despite growing up knowing war and persecution, Sham (11) from Syria always looks forward to Christmas. If she could write those who persecute Christians a letter, she’d write, “God loves and wants to give His light to us, but you want to destroy it, why do you want that? God can light up your lives as well if you want to let Him do that.”

Irene (11) lives in Egypt, where Christians are typically treated as second-class citizens. “Jesus is love and my country needs love,” she says. “All our problems come from a lack of love. I pray that God touches the hearts of all people and that peace and love will be in Egypt.”

Image: Kaaren from Syria

Kaaren (13, above) is from Iran but had to flee to Turkey when he was five. “In the difficult moments, the only thing that helped us was Jesus who strengthened us to endure,” he shares. “He enlightened the dark path that we have been on.”