**To all who receive Him, who believe in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. – John 1:12**

What are your favorite Christmas traditions? Is it decorating your tree with family all together? Is it candle light Christmas Eve service singing Silent Night? Or maybe you love watching children squeal with delight as they open gifts on Christmas morning, even before the sun rises.

By far, my favorite family Christmas tradition is celebrating Jesus’ birthday with orphans from around the world. Not too far from us, in Windsor, Colorado is the “basecamp” for a non-profit organization His Little Feet. The children, from countries such as Rwanda, Haiti, and India, come to the United States for one year to raise orphan care awareness. They tour around churches in American singing, dancing and telling their stories. They bring the good news of Jesus Christ and give people the opportunity to love and serve the most vulnerable children on our planet.

Every year we arrive at His Little Feet with carloads of presents made possible with the help of close friends and families. We surround His Little Feet’s tree with wrapped baby dolls, remote control cars, puzzles, games, school supplies, and crafts. We share a meal, play silly games, sing Happy Birthday to Jesus at the top of our lungs, then stuff ourselves with cake and ice cream. The ending of our time together is by far the most special part for me.

We gather all together in the living room below their shared dorm rooms. All eighteen orphans line up together and sing Christmas songs. I cry tears of joy every single time. Last year, the kids sang their new favorite song, No Longer Slaves. I lost it when their sweet voices belted out…

From my mother’s womb, You have chosen me. Love has called my name. I’ve been born again to a family. Your blood flows through my veins. I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of God. (Bethel Music)

One of leaders, seeing how moved I was by the children’s song, pulled me aside and shared why this song is so special to the orphans. She explained that when the children first arrive in Colorado, most of them bring tremendous fear with them. Although safe in warm beds, many are wracked by night terrors. The staff of His Little Feet have a brilliant battle plan to combat the enemy’s lies and fight against fear. They pray over the children before bed, play quiet worship music, and teach them about their true identity. Every child hears night after night that he or she is God’s beloved child.

These children don’t know their mothers or fathers, but they know God chose them for His family. They are not orphans in God’s sight. They belong to Him.

These beautiful and loved children reminded me, we too have been adopted into God’s family. Yes, we are also beloved by God. Just like the orphans, it’s so important to know our true identity. When our sense of belonging and confidence comes from our adoption into God’s family, we can also fight fear with God’s truth.

From your mother’s womb, God chose you. His blood flows through your veins. You are no longer a slave to fear, you are free, because you are a child of God. Let’s confidently walk in our true inheritance at Christmastime and all year through.

Please pray with me.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for adopting us and calling us your own.
May we find our true identity and sense of belonging in You alone.
Please open our eyes fully to your love, mercy, and freedom.
Thank you that we’re no longer slaves to fear.
Instead we are your beloved children.
Give us a child-like faith as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
Fill our hearts and homes with joy and peace.
Take care of orphans all around the world.
We thank you for our simple blessings, warm beds, good food, friends to call.
You are our good, loving Father.
We love you. Thank you for loving us.
Amen

If you would like to give a gift to His Little Feet this year, please go to our website – 3oclockwakeup.com. On the front page you will see an opportunity to buy them a gift. If you are encouraged by our ministry, please concern becoming a monthly partner with us. We’d love to link arms with you as we grow gratitude to God around the globe every day at 3:00pm.