JAPAN — After a busy Sunday morning, Crossworld worker Beth was eyeing the couch for an afternoon nap when, suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Himari and Yuka, two of her daughter Ellie’s friends, stood on the doorstep looking for a place to hang out … and maybe eat a snack.

Ellie and her friends ran off to play but were soon back.

“Can we decorate the Christmas tree?” asked Ellie.

Beth saw the possibility of her nap slipping away, but she couldn’t say no to their eager smiles.

“I suppose, but only until 5 p.m. and then it’ll be time to go home,” Beth said.

“Yes! Yes!” they promised.

The girls giggled with delight as they headed to the shed and came back with boxes full of Christmas decorations.

Beth turned on Christmas music, and the whole family unpacked the lights and ornaments together.

“Why is there an angel on top?” asked Himari.

“Why do you give gifts on Christmas Day?” asked Yuka.

Neither of their families celebrate Christmas, so every new decoration prompted a question.

“What is that?” Himari asked when Ellie pulled out a nativity set.

“This is Jesus!” Ellie answered. She held up the baby in the manger and began to explain the scene and the people in it.

Himari took the small, unassuming figurine of the Christ child in her hands and looked it over.

This is worth skipping a nap for, Beth thought to herself as she watched Himari consider the baby Jesus and the story Ellie had just shared about his birth.

Will you pray for faith to grow as Himari and Yuka learn more about Jesus?

The people in this story are real, but some names have been changed to protect their privacy.