Your Christmas gift can help save a life

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It’s a frosty December in Ukraine. Halia, the mother of little Mykhasyk, worries because she has no money for a Christmas gift for her son. Then her friend says, “They’re giving out gifts for children at church. Shall we go?” Halia takes her son by the hand and goes — she would do anything to see him smile.

At church, Mykhasyk listened to the Christmas story with bated breath, answered questions, and was thrilled to receive a gift. When he was invited to Sunday school, he pleaded, “Mom, can I go?”

Halia wasn’t too eager, but she couldn’t say no. The church was far away, so every Sunday she woke up early and took her son there. While waiting for him, she sat through the service — at first awkwardly, but soon she began to listen to the sermons and prayers. Her son happily talked about his lessons, but Halia’s heart was uneasy — the words were touching her soul.

Mykhasyk loved Sunday school, and little by little, Halia opened her heart to God. One day, she repented and invited Him into her life. At home, she celebrated with her husband and son, saying, “God is now in my heart.” The boy rejoiced, but her husband was indifferent — though he didn’t forbid her faith. Halia was thankful for that, yet she prayed that he, too would believe. She joined the church’s prayer group. A year later, her husband repented — and the whole family became members of the church.

That Christmas, together they organized a celebration for families who didn’t yet know God: they gave gifts to children and shared their testimony of how God had changed their lives.

To give a gift is to give life. That is why Jesus Christ came into this world — to offer every person the greatest gift of all: Salvation!

“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day… a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11)

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