“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
Christmas Eve is always a special time, filled with anticipation and memories. In the Czech Republic, where I grew up, Christmas is traditionally celebrated on this day. As a child, I remember eagerly waiting for the evening to come — the table set with the traditional Christmas meal: potato salad, fried fish, and fish soup. It’s a meal I always look forward to, especially because my mum makes it just right. The house would be filled with laughter, the clinking of plates, and the warmth of family gathered around the table, sharing stories and reflecting on the year.
But this year, things are different. We’re here in Uganda, and though the customs may be different, the meaning of Christmas remains the same. We’ve been experiencing heavy rain for the past few days, and the roads have been completely washed out with mud and stones, making it impossible to get to town. The power’s been out for three days now, and the once-bustling world around us has gone still, except for the sound of rain tapping on the roof. It’s a quiet, peaceful moment, yet it also reminds me of how vastly different this season feels from the one we would usually experience back home.
In these moments of quiet reflection, Dana and I began to think about how we could bless others this Christmas. At first, we thought about sending gifts or making donations to our friends and family back in the UK or the Czech Republic. But as we prayed and thought more deeply, we realized that God was calling us to turn our attention to the community right here, where we live. Instead of waiting for the season to come to us, we felt led to go out and be a blessing to those around us.
So this morning, we set out with hearts full of hope and a few simple packages. Our mission was to bless the people in our village who may be struggling: the elderly, those who live alone, or those who find it hard to make ends meet. With just a few essentials, a little love, and a lot of prayer, we set out to visit them, spending time in their homes, praying for them, and listening to their stories.
One of the women we visited was an elderly grandmother who shared with us that our teachers come to visit her a few times a month. They pray with her for her and her family, and she spoke with such deep gratitude about how their visits give her strength to continue raising her grandchildren on her own. Hearing her testimony, I was reminded that sometimes it’s the smallest acts of kindness that have the biggest impact. Just being there, listening, and offering a moment of companionship, can bring hope to someone who feels alone. As we visited with others, I couldn’t help but reflect on the simplicity of it all. The true meaning of Christmas isn’t about the hustle and bustle of presents or big feasts; it’s about the small, meaningful actions that reflect the love of Christ. By being there for someone, showing them that they are not alone, we are offering the true spirit of Christmas.
One of the most profound moments came when a grandmother told us how much it meant that our teachers regularly visited her. She explained how the prayers they shared gave her strength, and she had renewed hope for her grandchildren’s future. She said that their visits reminded her that she wasn’t alone in this journey. She found comfort in knowing that there were people who cared for her, prayed for her, and were there to listen. In that moment, I realized how incredibly precious this simple act of kindness was — and how much of an impact it had on her life.
As I reflect on these moments, I’m reminded of the words from Isaiah 58:10, which speak to the heart of what we’ve been doing this season:
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.”
This verse has been particularly meaningful as we’ve walked through this season of service. As we pour ourselves out for others, whether through acts of kindness, prayer, or simply being present, we become a reflection of God’s light in the darkness. Our own struggles, challenges, and sacrifices begin to pale in comparison to the hope and strength that we can bring to others. We become vessels through which God’s love shines brightly, guiding others to His peace.
This Christmas, we are reminded that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness have the greatest impact. By slowing down and being present with those around us, we can reflect Christ’s love in a way that truly touches hearts.
From our hearts to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas, filled with peace, joy, and the overwhelming love of Christ. May this season remind you that the simplest acts of kindness are often the most powerful, and that it’s in these moments that we truly experience the heart of Christmas.
With love,
Jonny and Dana
As our prayers and support is obviously gratefully received, we in turn are filled with thankfulness for being participants in the work undertaken by you both, and feel partners together in God’s work in this wonderful yet challenging work for Christ.
Some of us don’t always express our support often enough, but be assured you are all upheld in prayer faithfully in all that is being undertaken for His glory.
Every blessing in Christ now and throughout the coming New Year.
Thank you so much Ron, we really appreciate your prayers and thoughts. We are so blessed to have people like you and church family who cares for us.