Christmas 2019 – For His Name’s Sake

Long ago, the Indonesian government gave a small portion of an island to a group of sea gypsies. These sea dwellers lived their lives almost exclusively on the water, rarely setting foot on land. However they were required to have land to be considered citizens of a country, so over time, they settled on the land.

Their little community was nestled in between two other villages. And although all three of the villages depended on the sea for survival, the middle village was isolated because of a swampy mangrove moat… and because they had no religion. Because Indonesia requires everyone to claim a religion, these strange people were considered outcasts.

But then, in 1985, a man from England and another Indonesian came together to this little village and shared with them about the Hope that they had in a Savior. Over time, this whole village came to follow and trust that Savior. Others came over the years as well. When the raised sidewalks were built between the villages, more intermingling of beliefs took place and many became confused and left. The community tried to remain strong, but they weren’t allowed to build a real place of worship because of fear that they might influence neighboring communities. So they met in their homes while skeptics of other beliefs stood outside to watch and whisper.

Later, the village gained permission to build a “House of Worship”… not a church. So they found a site at the very top of a hill in their community where no one else would want to build anyway, and they put up four cinder block walls and a tin roof. A local traveling pastor has been coming to teach there periodically ever since.

This was the story they told us, anyway.

We sat there in a circle of plastic chairs in that little sanctuary, drenched in sweat and listening as members of their community told stories of the difficulties of living there. They seemed to struggle to get the government funding that the other communities received, yet they spoke out of tender hearts, explaining the importance of not holding bitterness or envy.

As we talked, more and more people from the community came up to the little building on the hill, including a group of children. We started asking them about Christmas traditions there, and within minutes, they had all the kids at the front of the room, performing their Christmas song that they have been practicing for the Christmas service. You can watch their performance here. Translated, the song says:

N A T A L (spells the Indonesian word for Christmas)

Christmas is almost here

Friends, let’s all be joyful

And welcome King Jesus, the Savior of the world

Honestly, I gasped a little when I heard it. I have been going to these fishing villages for 15 years and never once heard islanders singing and welcoming King Jesus. Hearing His name being sung by children on that hilltop is a memory I will never forget.

When I got home, I watched that video again. Then I noticed the large sign behind them on the stage… Ezekiel 36 and the Year of a New Birth. I will admit, it has been a long time since I have read anything in Ezekiel. If you get a chance, read through this chapter sometime. Neighboring nations were mocking. The enemy was celebrating. The Israelites were turning away. And in His wrath and discipline, God scattered them for a time. But He also promised to gather them again… to heal their land and to give them new hearts and spirits. The interesting thing is that He didn’t do it for the people. Verses 22-23 say He did it for His Name! And that His Name would be known as holy and great among the nations who mocked.

So this Christmas, right when I had almost decided not to write anything this year, I sit and reflect on His Name. Matthew 1:21 says they would give the Child the name Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins. That name meant something that changed everything. It’s a name worth honoring and worshiping. And we know it’s true, because God Himself defends His name… even if it means giving His people grace upon grace that we don’t deserve.

As you celebrate this year, take a moment to remember and revere His Name. Take it to the dark places and to the people who stand by mocking. Climb up that steep hill, like those island children, and sing with them that King Jesus is the Savior of the world!

~ by jen4him on December 1, 2019.