Christmas is a joyous season for Christians as we gather and celebrate the birth of our Savior, rejoicing in the hope that God Himself entered the world in the form of a human child. But for millions of our Christian brothers and sisters, these celebrations must occur behind closed doors, with whispered carols in the shadow of danger. For them, Christmas is a season of heightened risk.
History shows that Christmas Day is a favored target for those intent on harming Christians. For those who hate Christians, what better day to demonstrate that hatred than the day Christians celebrate Christ’s birth? In 2011, bomb blasts and shootings struck churches in the Nigerian cities of Madalla, Jos, Gadaka and Damaturu during Christmas Day services. Forty-one worshipers were killed. Boko Haram later claimed responsibility for the coordinated attacks.
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