By Timur Anichkin, pastor of the Reformed Church of Riga, Latvia
Many believers in Latvia say that Christmas is a period for miracles. And you know what? It’s true! At least for our church. We had a wonderful Christmas worship service. Some guests came to celebrate the birth of the Son of God with us.
Whatever you may say, Christmas is really the time of pleasant surprises. I can’t describe our joy when we received Christmas gifts from Christ the Redeemer Church from Pella (Pastor Brian Nolder). They sent us cards and Christmas tree toys made by children of that church. It is always pleasant to receive handmade gifts. Especially when you see that some of them were made by very little kids. All our church members were really moved. Thank you, dear brothers and sisters, for your love, care and support! We know you pray for us and, you may be sure, you are always in our prayers too.
My daughter Kate helps me to distribute the gifts we received from Pella.
In the following picture you can see our sister Victoria and her son Danzel. They live in Ireland and always come to our worship when they are in Latvia. They also got the gifts!
After the service our church members Sergei and Julia invited us to their house for the feast. We had a great time and wonderful fellowship. There was no Christmas duck or goose, since it’s not traditional in Latvia, but we all decided to try it next time.
Of course, we sent many Christmas greetings to our brothers in Russia and America. It is safe to say that from year to year we send more and more letters because our circle of contacts is steadily expanding. When I think of God's work and His Son, I see a connection between what He did and what we do now. I would call it a universal consequence of His coming. Truly, Christmas unites all believers from all continents and countries under one head – Jesus Christ our Lord.
When my family came home, we prayed and thanked God for a wonderful Christmas celebration.
The Anichkin family at home. I am with my wife Olga and daughter Kate.
Blessings in Jesus Christ our Lord and Merry Christmas!