Thank you so much for this {SAT‑7} program that is filled with the Word of God. It is more than wonderful and the best that I watch. God bless you."
— Viewer from Azerbaijan
Rising from the rubble in southern Lebanon, a beautiful and poignant rendition of the Christmas carol “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” aims to inspire hope and peace for viewers affected by conflict in the Middle East this year.
It is one of many highlights in a packed Christmas schedule across SAT‑7’s four channels and digital media platforms.
Filmed following the ceasefire in Lebanon at the historic Kfarfalous site, which was targeted during past conflicts in the country, the powerful music production features 50 local participants from Caritas and 16 musicians. The music was arranged by a renowned Jordanian maestro and produced in collaboration with the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. Each participant carries a flower, representing gratitude and hope, which they place before Jesus as an act of thanksgiving for the cessation of conflict.
Maroun Bou Rached, SAT-7 Lebanon Executive Director, said, “Through music, symbolic gestures, and a powerful location, the video encourages unity, faith, and a collective commitment to peace, offering comfort and strength to all viewers.”
The production encapsulates the theme of SAT-7 ARABIC’s Christmas content “Emmanuel – God with Us.”
Cultural Celebrations
SAT-7 will be sharing Christmas celebrations from across the region with believers in places where they are a very small minority, to help them feel like part of the wider body of Christ, as well as highlighting the unique cultures and traditions in different areas.
Three special episodes from North Africa will showcase the diversity of the region and feature testimonies, devotions, songs, and prayers from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya.
As conflict in the Holy Land continues, SAT-7 is continuing to stand with believers there by broadcasting a special Christmas service from the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, in partnership with Bethlehem Bible College.
For Afghan viewers, there will be a special Dari Christmas Eve broadcast of the Ariana Church program in partnership with Ariana Ministries. And the new live SAT-7 PARS program Mirror will explore how Christmas is celebrated in different contexts around the world.
Musical Specials
As well as the “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” production, special festive music programs will be featured on all SAT-7 channels. A standout event is An Evening of Christmas Carols from Istiklal Caddesi, filmed at the historic Pera Church of the Resurrection in Istanbul. This heartwarming evening will feature the SAT-7 TÜRK choir, along with musicians and worshippers from different congregations, performing beloved carols. Viewers will be invited to participate, making this a joyful and interactive celebration of Christ’s birth through music and shared worship.
SAT-7 ARABIC will also be broadcasting a special live concert from the Sacred Heart of Jesus Latin Church in Jordan, featuring a 35-member choir led by celebrated Jordanian Christian singer Fares Abbassi performing traditional hymns and carols. The concert will be both a great opportunity to celebrate the coming of Christ and a significant step forward in relationship-building within the broader Christian community.
Meanwhile, over on SAT-7 PARS, the long-running live show New Identity will broadcast a special Christmas episode titled “Melodies of Hope at the Birth of Jesus.” This worship-focused episode will share messages of hope through songs and testimonies from worship leaders, reminding viewers of what Jesus’ birth means for them today.
Meaning of Christmas
A common goal for all our channels this year is to take viewers behind the festivities to find the truth about why Jesus came to earth and why it matters for them.
The team at SAT-7 TÜRK has prepared Advent devotions for all of the channel’s teaching programs. These daily reflections will remind viewers of the wonder of Jesus’ coming and equip them with a greater biblical understanding of the events surrounding His birth.
SAT-7 PARS will be helping viewers of all ages to connect with the story of Christ’s birth. The teaching program Question Mark will explore the theological significance of the incarnation over two special episodes – “Why Did Christ Come to This World?” and “New Creation” – while popular children’s show Golpand will explore the real meaning of Christmas in its episode titled The Birth of Christ.
For viewers in Iran and Afghanistan, such broadcasts are especially important, as believers are often forced to practice their faith and celebrate Christmas in secrecy, unable to share their joy openly.
Please Pray
Please pray for all of SAT-7’s viewers this Christmas season, that the Good News of Christ will be made clear and reach into the homes and hearts of many throughout the region.
I watch all of your live shows. Sometimes I watch for 4-5 hours a day. I owe the changes in my life to SAT‑7’s programs; I don’t have any other source, as I have no Christian friends and no Bible."
