At the end of a year in which conflict and pain are continuing across many areas of the Middle East...
For Persians, the symbolism of an ancient eastern festival that celebrates light overcoming darkness resonates powerfully with the message of Christmas.
Yalda’s Eve (December 21), or Shab-e-Yalda, which marks the winter solstice, is widely celebrated by Persian speakers in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, as well as in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and countries as far as the Balkans.
“Shab-e-Yalda marks the longest night of the year after which days grow longer,” explains Iranian Christian, Omeed Jouyandeh, who works with SAT-7 PARS. “Ancient Iranians saw it as the triumph of light over darkness. And so it is thought that early Iranian Christians were drawn to the celebration.”
Yalda’s Eve was originally known as “Shab-e-Chelleh,” part of the “DeyGan” celebrations – referring to the start of the tenth month of the Persian calendar (roughly December 22 to January 20 in the Gregorian calendar). The feast later took the name “Yalda,” based on a Syriac word meaning “birth,” connecting it with the celebration of Christ’s coming a few days later.
“The beautiful connection between Yalda and the wonderful birth of our Lord Jesus Christ becomes evident in the triumph of light over darkness,” says SAT-7 viewer, Ayman, from Iran. “Yalda, the longest night of the year, symbolizes the end of darkness and the beginning of brighter days. Similarly, the birth of Jesus Christ in the world marked the dawn of divine light in the hearts of humanity; a light that overcame the darkness of sin and despair.
“Both occasions remind us of hope, joy, and the promise of brighter days ahead. Just as after Yalda, the days grow longer and the light increases, the birth of Christ fills our lives with love, peace, and the light of divine Truth. On this special night, we can be grateful for the presence of the Lord who has shone His light into the darkness of our lives.”
SAT-7 PARS continues to share that same message of light with viewers who often must welcome the season in secret. Throughout Advent, the channel has been broadcasting Secret of the Christmas Star, a 24-day series of short episodes for children and families that uses storytelling to explain the message of Christmas.
And airing on Christmas Day, a new 30-minute documentary, The Christian Heart of the Persian World, hosted by Afghan and Iranian presenters, will trace the ancient Christian roots of the Persian-speaking world. It also explores how Christmas is celebrated in the region today; how believers mark the birth of Christ quietly, bravely, and often in secret. Their stories remind us that the light of Christmas continues to shine in the Persian world today.
“It is not possible for us to go to Church,” revealed an Iranian believer to SAT-7. “Even when we listen to programs and Christian teaching, we have to listen quietly. Our neighbor heard a Christian program that we were listening to and warned us that if they heard it again, they would report us to the authorities. So, we are at risk of persecution for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Another Iranian believer shares the simplicity and purity of her festivities. “I celebrate Christmas with my family who are believers. I won’t have a Christmas tree, but I will sing hymns and pray for those I love as well as for others. I pray that the Lord places people in my way so that with the Lord’s help I may show them love and kindness and glorify my Father in Heaven.”
A third offers a glimpse into the unity Iranian Christians feel with the global Church even when physically isolated. “Of course, we are unable to openly celebrate Christmas, but praise God for His kindness that we are able to celebrate Christmas with you [SAT-7] and with our families in our home. We will play and listen to Christmas hymns at home.”
Together, these testimonies reveal a Christmas celebrated in whispers, yet burning with conviction. A Christmas stripped of public display, yet shining through the darkness.
The stories read like a living echo of Yalda itself: the longest night, the waiting, the courage to hold onto the promise of dawn. Where ancient Persians once welcomed the return of the sun, today Iranian believers stay faithful in the secrecy of their homes, holding fast to the Light that cannot be overcome.
“On Yalda’s Eve, Iranian Christians can’t help but think of Jesus the Messiah, the Light of the World who stands knocking at the door of all hearts and promises to enter and be close to anyone who opens the door to Him,” Omeed concludes. “May many more hear and receive the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. And may they come to know His joy and peace.”
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