As the world celebrates Christmas, a time of joy, reflection, and the promise of new beginnings, we at Talitha Kum International find our hearts filled with a special kind of gratitude. The spirit of this holy season resonates deeply with the values that guide our work, reminding us of the profound light that shines even in the darkest of circumstances.

Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a beacon of hope and love in a world often shrouded in darkness. His message of compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering faith in humanity continues to inspire us in our mission to combat human trafficking and support survivors of exploitation.

Just as the star of Bethlehem guided the wise men to the newborn king, we at Talitha Kum are guided by the unwavering belief in the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. We see the light of Christ reflected in the eyes of every survivor we encounter, a testament to their resilience and the unyielding human spirit.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

The Bible offers numerous verses that capture the essence of Christmas and its relevance to our work. In Luke 2:10-11, the angel proclaims to the shepherds, “Fear not, for I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” This verse reminds us that the birth of Jesus represents a message of hope and salvation for all, especially those who are marginalized and oppressed.

In Isaiah 61:1-3, the prophet foretells, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings to the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” These words resonate with our mission to bring healing and restoration to survivors of trafficking, replacing their pain with the oil of joy and the garment of praise.

Christmas is also a time for remembering the importance of community and coming together in support of one another. In Galatians 6:2, Paul reminds us, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This verse serves as a powerful call to action, urging us to stand united in our fight against human trafficking and offer unwavering support to survivors on their journey to healing.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember the light that shines within each of us, a light that has the power to illuminate the darkest corners of the world. Let us be guided by the compassion and love of Christ, and let us continue to work together to build a world where hope and justice prevail, a world where every person is free from exploitation and can live with dignity and respect.

From all of us at Talitha Kum International, we wish you a Merry Christmas filled with peace, joy, and the unwavering light of Christ’s love.

May the spirit of this holy season inspire us all to continue shining our light in the world, making it a brighter and more just place for all.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting our work. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of survivors and build a brighter future for all.

Merry Christmas!