The following is adapted from a Christmas reflection by Ryan Currie, an Alliance worker serving in Mongolia
I doubt C. S. Lewis ever made it to Mongolia. But in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, he gave a pretty apt description of our long, dark cold season: “Always winter but never Christmas.”
Along with the snow and frigid temperatures we experience here, less than desirable elements of the Christmas season have been imported into this centuries-old land, including ‘90s boy-band Christmas albums playing in department stores.
Many Mongolians see and desire the flashy materialism the stores here promote, but the true reason for celebrating Christmas remains a mystery for most. They are unaware of the good-news message it holds for them.
In the West, we often take for granted the simple gospel story. Most U.S. churches are steeped in the accounts of Creation, the Fall, our redemption, and our future restoration. These stories have even left a mark on American culture.
Unfortunately, “the old, old story” has become to many just that—old! But to the average Mongolian it is new, even stunning.
I realized this when our Mongolian language teacher was shocked to learn the Bible said God created the world and the universe. “Does the Bible really say that?” he asked.
For those who have heard the Christmas story every year since childhood, familiarity need not breed contempt. Knowing this narrative—the Person whom it is about—brings depth and fullness of life.
As we focus on the miracle of the Incarnation during this holy season, I urge us to go deeper still into the wonder of this story. And please pray that more Mongolians will hear and receive the Christmas message.
May Mongolia’s long spiritual winter burst into spring as many hear of Christ Jesus and believe in Him.