We hope that our Christmas around the world quest has brought you as much joy as it has filled our early learners studio for the past three weeks. What a unique learning experience we have had unlike other Christmases as we not only travel to all the continents of the world but also have a purpose for our quest: to spread joy to our world. And there is no other joy than to tell others about the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus!

This quest gave our young heroes valuable learning experiences that helped answer important questions:

What are my gifts, skills, passions?  

As they learned about many different cultures, because they had the freedom to make choices on their roles in the play, the countries to represent, the songs and dances, and even props and costumes, our heroes had the opportunity to discover their gifts, skills, and passions. They showed courage in trying new things and made decisions for themselves with what they would like to do for the play, what interests them, and even the choice to do something different. One hero encouraged her friends saying, “If you’re not very good at something, that means you are good at something else!” Heroes demonstrated their abilities to lead, collaborate, negotiate, and problem solve in preparations for the program.

Where is my place?

Learning about different Christmas traditions all around the world has enlightened our heroes to a deeper understanding of the world around them, as they discovered similarities and differences in various cultures. Our heroes were able to make connections and discovered where they fit in and where they stand out. Some heroes shared with pride regarding their ethnic heritage and culture. Other heroes were eager to say Merry Christmas in the language their grandparents spoke.

What is my calling?

Through this quest, our heroes demonstrated their readiness to answer the call to preach the Good News to all the world. Their hearts were burning with passion and eagerness to fulfill this mission, especially to those who have never heard about Jesus. They expressed a sense of understanding during our discussions that through our prayers and actions, even in performing in a Christmas play, they are proclaiming the message they were called to give.

Our heroes were beaming with pride and joy as they shared their plans to help refugees through our Christmas play with Christian Hawkins, the representative from Bethany Christian Services. Mr. Hawkins was very impressed with our heroes’ engagement and curiosity when he spoke about the refugees. Most heroes showed empathy for the refugees as Mr. Hawkins described their circumstances. They felt the urgency and need to help the families after all that they have experienced. Many heroes shared their own experiences helping the refugees. They were determined that they were answering the call to help the refugees and fulfill their calling through our Christmas around the world quest.

Throughout our Christmas quest, our heroes rarely spoke of gifts they wished for this Christmas. Instead, with unwavering faith, they knew exactly what gift they would give to Jesus for His birthday: their love and their life. One hero summed it up with the best gift he would give to Jesus, “I give Jesus, ME!”

As we hold true to our commitment to learn from missionaries around the world, our heroes have transformed themselves from being regular superheroes to becoming “Heroes in Christ.” So they no longer just call themselves superheroes, instead Heroes in Christ, because we serve Jesus and we have a special message to the world straight from God through the reading of His Word. Thus our Heroes in Christ remind each other of this message: telling others about Jesus, that “Jesus loves us”, “Jesus forgives our sins”, and “Jesus was born to save us!” Even our heroes’ prayers are filled with heartfelt gratitude for Jesus.

These young Heroes in Christ have been tackling challenging questions during our discussions this week. As we read about our characters in the Christmas story in Luke 1, including Mary and Joseph, and Elizabeth and Zechariah, we talked about how they may seem to be in a position wherein they did not get what they wanted at first. Elizabeth and Zechariah wanted a child, yet they remained without a child in their old age. Mary and Joseph did not want a child yet since they were not married yet. But even though they did not get what they wanted, they continued to serve God, obey Him, and praise Him in their lives. Then we discover later in their story that God did give Elizabeth and Zechariah a child. And Mary and Joseph became Jesus’ parents! And so our heroes reflect on the amazing work God does in our lives. They talked amongst themselves how they would feel and what they would do when they do not get what they want, especially during this Christmas season when they were all so excited to share their wishlist for Christmas presents. Yet they were determined and confident that when they do not get what they wanted, no matter how much they wished for it, they would “not throw a fit,” “be thankful for what they have,” and “maybe wait until next Christmas… or birthday!” What a blessing to hear straight from the “mouths of babes” the Lord’s true message of faith and trust during this time of the year.

Our hero talks this week have also stirred the hearts of our courageous heroes. They were challenged with the task of not just telling others about Jesus, but also helping others build a relationship with Jesus. They identified the difference between knowing about Jesus and really knowing Jesus. Our missionary from Egypt, Mr. Yeo, shared about growing up serving with his family, planting churches and building schools for people who do not know Jesus. He described making friends and sharing the love of Jesus and not just telling them about Jesus. And the best way to share the love of Jesus is by helping others, just like St. Nicholas did, as Mrs. Amash told the story of young Nicholas secretly helping a family in need. So our heroes are devising their own “secret” ways of blessing others and giving generously to their neighbors, friends, and families. One hero started telling friends not to thank her for helping them, instead to “Thank God!”