🎄 Christmas in the Czech Republic: A Beautiful Mix of Tradition and Opportunity 🎁

Did you know that Christmas in the Czech Republic is celebrated differently than in the U.S. or U.K.? Here’s a glimpse into the traditions—and the opportunities they bring to share the Gospel. 

In the Czech Republic, the heart of the Christmas celebration is Štědrý den (“Generous Day”) on December 24th. 🎅🏽 While many in the U.S. and the U.K. think of Christmas Eve as a time for last-minute preparations or a family dinner, here in the Czech Republic, Christmas Eve is the main event! 🥳 Families often fast throughout the day (some even tell children they might see a “golden pig” 🐖 if they manage to hold out!). The evening meal is a feast typically of fish soup 🐟 and fried carp with homemade potato salad. 🥔 Gifts 🎁 are exchanged after dinner, not delivered by Santa Claus, but by Ježíšek (“Baby Jesus”), who is said to bring presents to families. Children eagerly await the ringing of a bell 🔔, signaling that Ježíšek has passed by and left their gifts under the tree. 🎄 

Unlike in the U.S. or U.K., Santa Claus (Svatý Mikuláš, or St. Nicholas) doesn’t make an appearance at Christmas in the Czech tradition. 🎅🏽 Instead, he visits on St. Nicholas’s Day, December 6th. Dressed as a bishop, he’s accompanied by a devilish figure called čert (“the devil”) 😈 and an angel. 👼 Together, they visit children, giving candy 🍬 to those who have behaved well and a symbolic golden birch 🌿 to those who have misbehaved. This unique tradition reflects the Czech blend of folklore and faith, reminding children of the importance of virtue and good deeds. 

Interestingly, even though the Czech Republic is one of the most atheistic countries in the world, Christmas remains a deeply significant cultural and public holiday. 🕯️ Many people still gather for Midnight Mass in Roman Catholic churches on Christmas Eve—a reminder of the holiday’s Christian origins. For many atheistic Czechs, this might be one of the only times of the year they engage with faith, even if only culturally. 🙏 This creates unique opportunities to share the true meaning of Christmas in a society that may otherwise seem indifferent to the Gospel. 

The contrast is striking: on one hand, traditions like the giving of gifts by Baby Jesus point back to Christ’s birth; on the other, many Czechs have little understanding of the Gospel story and significance behind these celebrations. 🌟 For Christians, this cultural tension is an open door to share why Christmas is not just about tradition, but about the greatest gift ever given: the coming of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. ✝️ 

Wherever you are celebrating this Christmas season, whether in the U.S., the U.K., or elsewhere, would you take a moment to pray for the Czech people? 🙌 Ask God to use these cherished traditions as opportunities to introduce them to the hope and joy of the Gospel. 

🎄 Merry Christmas from Prague to all our friends and supporters around the world. 🌍 May the true Light of Christmas shine brightly in your celebrations this year! ✨

2023 Year End Update

As we approach the end of 2022 and close out our first year in London, we wanted to post our year-end letter here for any who may not have received it already through post or email to give you a review of how the Lord has been at work over the past 12 months, and what our hopes, prayers, and needs are going into 2023. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and partnership this year, and wishing you all the best to you and yours in 2023!

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." -Philippians 1:3-5

🎄Happy Christmas from London everyone!🎄