Connecting Christmas and Missions: Embracing the Dangers in Spreading God's Love

As we approach Christmas, it's important to remember that this holiday serves as a model for missions. Just as Christ was sent into the world, so are we called to go out into the world and share the message of God's love and salvation. In John 17:18, Jesus prays to the Father, saying, "As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world." This verse highlights the connection between Christmas and missions.

One aspect of missions that mirrors Christmas is the presence of danger. When Christ came into the world, he was rejected by his own people. He faced opposition and plots against him. He had no permanent home and was constantly on the move. False charges were brought against him, and he was subjected to whipping and mockery. Ultimately, he was crucified after just three years of ministry.

As followers of Christ, we are also called to face danger in our mission work. Just as Christ experienced rejection, we too may face opposition and rejection from those we are trying to reach. We may be falsely accused or subjected to persecution. Our mission work may require us to leave behind the comfort and security of our homes and go to unfamiliar and potentially dangerous places. However, we can take comfort in knowing that Christ has gone before us and experienced these dangers himself.

But there is a danger that is even greater than any physical harm we may face in our mission work. It is the danger of losing trust and confidence in the mercy of God. Francis Xavier, a missionary in the 16th century, wrote about this danger in a letter to Father Perez of Malacca. He said, "The danger of all dangers would be to lose trust and confidence in the mercy of God... To distrust him would be a far more terrible thing than any physical evil which all the enemies of God put together could inflict on us." Xavier recognized that the greatest danger a missionary faces is not death or physical harm, but rather the danger of doubting God's mercy.

If we succumb to this danger and lose trust in God's mercy, then all other dangers lose their sting. But if we conquer this danger and maintain our trust in God's mercy, then nothing can harm us. We can take comfort in knowing that God is with us in our mission work and that he will sustain us through any dangers we may face. He can turn every dagger into a scepter in our hand, as J.W. Alexander said.

It is important to remember that Christ himself escaped the danger of distrusting God's mercy. Despite the rejection, opposition, and suffering he faced, he never doubted God's love and faithfulness. And because of his unwavering trust in God, he has been highly exalted. We can follow in his footsteps and trust in God's mercy as we carry out our mission work.

As we reflect on the connection between Christmas and missions, let us remember that Christmas is not just a time of celebration and joy, but also a time to be reminded of the mission we have been given. Just as Christ was sent into the world, so are we. We are called to go out into the world and share the message of God's love and salvation. And just as Christ faced danger in his mission, so may we. But we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us and that he will sustain us through any dangers we may face.

In conclusion, Christmas serves as a model for missions. Just as Christ was sent into the world, so are we called to go out into the world and share the message of God's love and salvation. We may face danger in our mission work, but the greatest danger is losing trust in God's mercy. If we maintain our trust in God and his mercy, then nothing can harm us. Let us remember this as we celebrate Christmas and carry out our mission work.