In the past, I didn’t believe in God, but recently I was baptized. My mother-in-law is not a Christian but supported me in becoming a Christian. We were both watching your channel when you invited us for a prayer. And she lifted up her hands and prayed with you. I was very surprised and impressed. You are making really good and effective programs. The Lord works in places you cannot always see."
— Viewer in Türkiye
At the end of a year in which conflict and pain are continuing across many areas of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), SAT-7’s Christmas programs are bringing hopeful messages of faith from believers across the region.
From the Holy Land, SAT-7 ARABIC will broadcast A Christmas Message from Bethlehem, filmed by Bethlehem Bible College. This year is the first time since the start of the war in Gaza that the giant Christmas tree in Bethlehem has been lit. All public Christmas celebrations were cancelled for two years but returned this December following the ceasefire in October. The program will feature interviews with people in the Holy Land, sharing hopeful messages for viewers watching across the Arab world.
A special Christmas episode of You Are Not Alone called “Zero Distance” features two children from Gaza who lost family members and suffered injuries in the war. Now receiving medical treatment in Lebanon, Omar, age six, and Amir, age 14, were invited to SAT-7’s Beirut studio to take part in the program. The children shared their traumatic experiences and received encouragement from two Lebanese children who are living with blindness. You can read more about this powerful story here.
Church Celebrations
SAT-7 ARABIC will be highlighting the work of Dr. Youhanna Towaya, who started an initiative to restore historic churches in Iraq that were destroyed by the so-called Islamic State militant group when it took over parts of the country in 2014. The channel will show events from the churches, including a Christmas concert.
There are Christmas concerts, celebrations, and services, too, from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. SAT-7 KIDS is broadcasting three major children’s church concerts from Egypt over the season: Birthday encourages children to refocus their Christmas celebrations on Jesus; Saving Plan features a musical play that tells the story of God’s rescue plan through Jesus; and Speak, Lord blends worship, animation, and interactive reflection to help children engage deeply with the meaning of the season.
On SAT-7 TÜRK, viewers can tune in to a live broadcast of the Christmas Day service from the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Istanbul on December 25. The channel is also producing special Christmas song clips and inviting viewers to reflect to prepare their hearts for the season.
Testimonies and Storytelling
For viewers in North Africa, The Hope of Christmas is a three-part special program filmed in Tunisia. Presented in a docudrama style, the episodes feature the stories of three women and their journeys to faith. One of the women shares the moving story of her battle with cancer and the comfort she felt with Jesus by her side. Each story is followed by a reflection from the presenter and a worship song, creating space for listening, response, and prayer.
SAT-7 KIDS is using drama to help young viewers understand the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas Night with Friends in the Neighborhood follows the story of a young boy who learns that Christmas is not about material gifts, but about the presence of Jesus in our hearts. Addressing real challenges faced by children across the region, including jealousy, bullying, and anger, the film offers emotional depth and a clear biblical message of forgiveness.
SAT-7 PARS has also been using storytelling in a daily series of short episodes throughout Advent. Secret of the Christmas Star uses animation to explain the message of Christmas in small installments for children in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. You can read more about Christmas in the Persian world here.
Rounding off SAT-7’s Christmas output this year is a cross-channel virtual musical production of Angels We Have Heard on High, creating a sense of unity and togetherness as Christians in different parts of the MENA worship together.
Please Pray
Give thanks for the opportunity to share messages of hope with viewers across the MENA this Christmas.
Pray for the protection of Christians worshipping in churches, and for peace for all those suffering hardship and loss this year.
Ask that SAT-7’s Christmas broadcasts will make an impact in the hearts of many people watching in different parts of the region.
I’m from Morocco and I'm 19 years old. Though many people surround me, I have no one to talk to. I am so grateful to the Lord for your help and advice. God bless you."
