At Christmas time I like to put up Christmas lights. I enjoy seeing all the lights in the neighbourhood and I certainly add my share of lights. However, have you ever wondered about who produces those Christmas lights? Most of our lights come from China and they are made by human rights prisoners many of whom are pastors. Imagine sitting on cold or muddy ground with only a huge box of lights and wire in front of you. Without tools of any kind, you must assemble 3000–5000 lights per day. Quickly, your fingers become numb and bloody. Your teeth serve as your only crimping tools. Even as you work to complete your tasks, you know that you will be beaten severely if you don’t get it all done. So what should we do? Should we boycott Christmas lights from China? Here is what one pastor said: “I want the world to know I am willing to suffer for the Lord Jesus Christ.” Even in prison, they share the Gospel with others. Many even leave prison tearfully because they leave behind new believers that they led to Christ while in prison together.
Our desire should not be for cheaper Christmas lights but rather that the cause of Jesus Christ may be advanced. We should work toward helping these people to have political and religious freedom but while they seek their freedom we should continue to pray.
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