“Our world is waiting, and heaven is feasting … Jesus colored the night.”
These lyrics from the Arab version of “Silent Night” capture a beautiful image for us as we approach this Christmas season. Singing from Palestine, a youth named Celina reminds us that Christ broke through the darkness, bringing light and color to our
lives.
It’s a powerful message, especially for Christians like Celina and so many others who follow the Light in places where families, communities and even entire regions might be hostile to their faith.
Throughout the world, Christians are celebrating Christ’s coming in countries on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List (our annual ranking of the top 50 countries where it’s most dangerous to follow Jesus). Our field teams spent time capturing Christmas worship
from young believers around the world—Christians who are already vulnerable because of their age and their family’s place in society. Following Jesus adds yet another layer of vulnerability.
Here, we’re sharing that footage from Palestine, Iraq, India, Colombia and Bolivia. We hope these videos bring you peace, comfort and joy in Christmas.
As you watch and listen, remember to pray for these young brothers and sisters and their families. Where they live, singing songs of worship or reading Scripture could put them at risk of isolation, bullying or even attacks in their schools and communities.
“I tell you the truth: ‘Anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it’” (Mark 10:15).
Palestine teen brings the Arab version of “Silent Night”
In Beit Sahour, a Palestinian town close to Bethlehem, Palestine youth Celina Qumseyeh sings “Aayyad el-leyl,” the Arab version of “Silent Night.” She is part of the Palestinian Christian youth who are learning to read and study the Bible through an Open
Doors’ youth discipleship program championed by one of our local partners.
Celina Qumseyeh sings the Arab version of “Silent Night”: The night feasted, the night glistened. The sound of the feast brightened the night. Ripple, oh sky, with the bunch of grapes. Arrive on time with dates. Jesus visited in the night, Jesus colored the night. He is going to visit the enchanted hut. His path is made of moonlight, snow, and flowers. Toys are scattered around and children are laughing. Our world is waiting and heaven is feasting. Jesus visited in the night, Jesus colored the night.
10-year-old Benham from Iraq shares the Good News of Advent
Benham’s family was one of the thousands forced to flee their homes when ISIS invaded the Nineveh Plain. After years of being displaced, they returned to find their home had been burned down during the occupation. But thanks to your support, Benham and
his family are back in their home—one of 2,283 houses restored by Open Doors. This Christmas, Benham will celebrate Christ’s birth at home, in his Iraqi homeland.
In the clip, Benham reads from Luke 2:10-14:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Colombia youth sing ‘It’s Christmas time’
At Open Doors’ Children’s Center in Colombia, Ester, Gabriel, Nohemí, Elías, Jaime, Abigail, Isaac and Salomé (not their real names) share “It's Christmas time,” a song they learned in music class. The Center is currently home to 49 children who come
from environments of violence and persecution. Some of the children you see here are also part of the Center’s worship group; they’re using their gifts and talents to worship the Lord in the youth groups of their local churches.
6th-graders in Bolivia remind us that ‘every day is Christmas’
Sixth-grade students in the Bolivian city of Oruro sing a Christmas song they learned from their teachers Sars and Drotea. The two women have been inspired to share the gospel through their work as teachers. As a result, many of the children have learned
about the gospel. In their region where children can face domestic violence, alcoholism and prostitution, sharing the gospel and instilling faith are desperately needed.
Indian children offer their favourite Christmas song in Hindi
Where these children live in rural India, hostility toward religious minorities is common. Under pressure from Hindu extremist groups, they and their families often face violence, social boycotts and even attempts to forcefully convert them back to Hinduism.
Despite living under repeated threats, their smiles reflect unwavering faith and hope.
please pray
For persecuted children around the world, particularly at Christmas, that they will know they are not alone
For protection and encouragement for children who face bullying and violence for following Jesus
That the global church would unite in supporting and upholding the next generation of the church.
please give
Will you give the gift of joy to a persecuted child this Christmas?
Every HK$200 could give Bibles to 10 children, to help nurture their faith.
Every HK$350 could help an isolated child attend a special Christmas gathering, so they can celebrate Christ’s birth safely and joyfully.
Every HK$620 could provide immediate aid to persecuted Christians, including medicine, essentials and shelter.
*Any excess funds from this appeal will be used to strengthen other persecuted Christians where urgent help is needed.
