Derick Dillard, his wife Jill and their infant son Israel David celebrated their first Christmas together in their new home in Central America.

The family earlier launched their own Christian ministry in a country in Central America.

Derick noted that there were a lot of differences in celebrating Christmas in Central America compared to their hometown in Arkansas, but said the reason for celebration still remains the same.

"As I'm sitting here in Central America with sweat on my brow, it doesn't quite seem like it should be Christmas time. However, looking up on the wall next to me in our house, I read the words 'Alegria Para El Mundo' on a homemade Christmas banner that Jill's mom made and sent down to us, and I am reminded again that it is, in fact, that time of the year when we reflect most on God sending His son into the world to save us from our sins," Derick writes in the Dillard family blog.

In English, "Alegria Para El Mundo" means "Joy to the World."

Derick adds that it is because of the joy of having Jesus Christ in one's life that he decided to move his family to a different part of the world to share the good news with other people.

Leading up to Christmas, Derick and Jill hosted house parties for their Spanish teachers.

Derick says they are "thankful for the close relationship we have with them and their families. I feel like the most important thing we've been able to share with them is how important it is to search the Bible for what God says and to be obedient to Him."

They have taken advantage of several other opportunities to share the Gospel to others. Derick did not get into details who they ministered to, but he says he is glad that they can look back on their first Christmas with Israel and "remember the goodness of the Lord toward our family as we spent the season together in Central America."