A Persecuted Christian Discovers the Joy of Christmas in India

Even before she became a believer, Parvati*, a persecuted Christian living in India, was fascinated by Christmas. Her testimony is one of remarkable healing and resilience. To outsiders, Christmas in India is a time for pretty lights, decorations, and desserts. But Parvati came to understand what Christmas is really about. Read how God’s Word changed her family forever:

Growing up in a Hindu family, I was deeply skeptical of the Christian God my uncle worshipped.

My uncle, a pastor, had left our family’s Hindu faith to follow Jesus. Sometimes he shared the Gospel with us, but I found it strange. How could anyone worship an invisible God who did not even demand sacrifices?

And yet, there was one thing about his faith that I found fascinating: the celebration of Christmas in India. I was intrigued by the beautiful decorations I saw in videos online, even if I didn’t know their significance. Little did I know that one day, I would celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

At the beginning of 2025, my mother became very sick. Both of my parents were addicted to alcohol, which meant constant quarrels and unrest in our home, in addition to my mother’s illness. Her legs swelled, leaving her unable to walk. She tried every herb and concoction we could get our hands on.

Then she turned to her brother for help. 

In February of this year, my mother was miraculously healed not only of the illness in her legs, but of her alcoholism. She accepted Christ and became happier and healthier than ever. She began reading the Bible and taught our family what she had learned about the Word of God. A few months later, my father joined her in deciding to follow Jesus.

I saw the change God brought about in my parents and how much better they treated each other. Their rekindled love was impossible to ignore. I even saw my mother laughing more. Still, I resisted accepting Christ myself. But thanks to my mothers unceasing prayers and teachings, my three brothers and sisters and I put our faith in Jesus last July.

Coming to the Lord became the most precious thing to me. My family and I started enjoying more time together, gathering to eat and read the Bible. I began eagerly awaiting my first Christmas and looking forward to how I would decorate our house.

All that changed on August 17. Villagers came to our house when my father was not home, demanding that we return to our old religion. My mother faced the crowd boldly and told them in clear words that we would not be returning. I watched, stunned and helpless, as the villagers began slapping my mother from all sides and beating my brother. They forced their way into our home and took all they could carry, even the food we had prepared, leaving only our clothes.

I will never forget sitting by the roadside in the jungle, feeling lost and afraid. Where was the joy of Christ? Where was God’s provision?

Then my mother said, “We are blessed to suffer for our faith. This is a privilege."

Her words stayed with me. Even in that moment of pain and uncertainty, she chose gratitude over fear. That day, we were asked to leave the village. But my mother’s faith gave us strength to walk forward – not with bitterness, but with hope. 

A week later, after getting official permission, we returned home. We saw our possessions thrown on the road and in the woods surrounding our house. Our two-wheeler was badly damaged and the whole house had been ransacked. 

Looking back, I’m amazed I was able to stay calm while searching through our belongings. I know it was only because of the love of the Lord. I remember seeing my clothes torn and muddied in the rainwater, but I did not despair.

Though we were allowed to return, we were barred from using the village facilities and resources. We’ve been forced to drink water from a creek. Though the water is dirty and infected, I praise God that He has kept up healthy!

I know I will be unable to celebrate Christmas how I had dreamed. I know I will be unable to decorate my house, but I can decorate my church building. I have even selected a song that I will sing in the Christmas service. After being persecuted for the Lord, I have come to understand that decorations, sweets, and clothes do not constitute Christmas. The love and joy of the Lord – His birth for our salvation – is what true Christmas is. I cannot wait until it is Christmas morning when I will be able to celebrate the first Christmas of my life! I thank all the donors and prayer warriors who have prayed for us and given us essential things for our daily life. May the Lord bless each one of you.

Parvati and her family continue to live in their village but their means of earning a living are very limited. They are constantly watched, especially for any pastors or believers from other villages coming to their house. Despite all this, the family continues to grow in their faith. This Christmas, pray for this family to remain strong in their faith, for a clean water resource of their own, and for God to provide financially in their time of isolation.

*Parvati's name has been changed for her safety and privacy.