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In the World–September 14, 2025

Download “In the World” for September 14, 2025, here.

HOLIDAY FOR THE FORGOTTEN

Last month in Paris, forty thousand children and young people were treated to a party in their honor. The celebration culminated in a picnic at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, where a precision jet squadron flew overhead, painting the sky with smoke in the colors of the French flag. The annual event, which began in 1979, is called the Forgotten Children of Vacation Day. It aims to provide disadvantaged children, who may not have the opportunity to take a summer vacation trip, with a special memory they can share with their classmates when school starts in the fall. The day began with visits to famous museums and iconic Olympic venues, culminating in a celebration at the Eiffel Tower, where concerts, athletic displays, and appearances by celebrities—including Mickey and Minnie from Disneyland Paris—were featured. “It’s important for a child to have something to say to their classmates,” said holiday official Thierry Robert, “so they don’t feel different.”

THE FORGOTTEN HOLIDAY

Seven years after the disastrous fall of the northern kingdom (Israel) to the Assyrian Empire, King Hezekiah of the southern kingdom (Judah) called all people of both kingdoms to come to Jerusalem and observe the Passover. Its celebration had fallen out of practice under the kings who came after Solomon. However, two centuries after the division of the kingdoms, Hezekiah urged the people to return to God with all their hearts. Hezekiah proclaimed that if they did, perhaps even the Israelites removed from the northern kingdom would be released from their captors and allowed to return home.

  1. What’s your favorite “forgotten” holiday?
  2. When, what, and where was the most spectacular celebration you’ve ever attended?
  3. What steps can you take to renew a worship tradition that has fallen out of regular practice?

Additional Resources

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David C Cook Editorial

Author David C Cook Editorial

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