Christmas Reflections in Difficult Times
The beauty of Christmas lies not just in its traditions but in its eternal truth: that God became human to save us. As the season unfolds, we have an opportunity to remember Christ’s incarnation. Amid Lebanon’s ongoing challenges, this truth remains steadfast, shaping how we serve and share the Gospel.
In this article, you’ll find reflections from some of our youth workers at YFC Lebanon—stories of how God has worked through them this year. These accounts highlight the power of Christ’s love to bring light to even the darkest circumstances.
Anthony Mansour, AXIS Youth Center
So much hope, peace, and love come with Christmas. Jesus came to bring hope. After all, God’s people had endured 400 years of silence, but Jesus’ arrival at the perfect time was His unmistakable answer. Jesus came to bring love and grace, not empty rituals. Before Jesus, many were forgotten, and religious leaders focused on condemnation, not compassion. He also came so that someone like me can have peace with God.
It took me some time to truly understand the meaning of Christmas. I never looked forward to it like everybody else. It felt shallow. People pretended to be happy, living in a make-believe fantasy world. I, in turn, felt like the Christmas Grinch. But then I was born again and understood what Christmas truly meant.
This year, God has been shaping my character, pruning away the old to help me conform to His likeness. It’s a lifelong process, but I can already see the change. I have also seen His work at AXIS Youth Center–with every event and every discipleship core group meeting— as youth exhibited a genuine thirst for God.
No matter the challenges—be it war, staffing shortages, or anything else—I was constantly reminded that this ministry belongs to God.
Karmen Ghabach, School Ministry
Growing up, my family faced seasons of grief, which meant spending several Christmases without a tree or decorations. Yet, I’ve always loved the charm and warmth of this season.
When I came to faith, however, Christmas took on a deeper meaning. My favorite Christmas passage is John 1, which captures the profound mystery: “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, He has made Him known.” Through Jesus’ incarnation, we can truly see God.
This year, many in Lebanon may struggle to feel the holiday cheer. But the unchanging truth of God becoming human transcends circumstances, informing my life not just in December, but all year long. This year especially marked my first with the School Ministry, a very rewarding journey. I had the privilege of counseling youth at schools and the AXIS Youth Center in the Bekaa, as well as participating in the discipleship program.
One of the highlights was our discipleship retreat last spring, where I was deeply moved by the youth’s kindness and spiritual maturity—qualities that distinguish them as Christ-followers. I also attended my first YFC camp as a staff member, an experience so joyful that I’m already looking forward to the next one. I praise God for the opportunity to serve these youth, who remain ever in my thoughts and prayers.
Joseph Sahlani, Manara Youth Center
Love isn’t just something to say—it’s something to show. God demonstrated His love by becoming human to save us, restoring the image broken during the fall. For years, I didn’t care much about Christmas; it seemed more about appearances and family gatherings. But experiencing God’s love changed everything. The infinite became finite to save finite people like us—a mindblowing truth. As 1 Timothy 3:16 says, “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
This love compels us to do what seems impossible and reach people we have long feared. But God didn’t ease us into it gradually; He thrust us into serving them, and through that, we showed them the love of Christ. Despite our differences, we saw our shared humanity and need for salvation.
Serving youth has solidified my calling. During recent unrest, I formed a WhatsApp group for MYC youth to share fears and experiences. It opened new opportunities for trust and dialogue. As they return to the center, I’m reminded that serving others not only blesses them but affirms my own purpose.
Danielle Loutfi, Vocational Training Program
When I was little, Christmas meant looking forward to presents—new toys, clothes, and festive meals. But as I grew older, the meaning of Christmas began to shift. Serving at my church and with YFC Lebanon, I realized that the focus was no longer on what I received, but on what I could offer others.
Reflecting on the youth I work with—their challenges, anxieties, and dreams—and our discussions about life and faith, I’ve come to understand that Christmas is a time to remember others and renew my commitment to helping without expecting anything in return. Just as God demonstrated through the gift of His Son.This year has been tough, with war and farewells to coworkers who traveled abroad, but God’s work has been evident in the lives of both youth and staff at YFC Lebanon. Staff have grown closer through retreats, Bible sharing, mutual prayers, and hearing each other’s stories. The youth have shown eagerness to participate in our events, particularly the spiritual gatherings.
We’ve also been able to reach youth in the South and Dahye—areas once difficult to access—which is a testament to God’s amazing work.