“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 Advent 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, Syria and Bolivia. We hope these videos bring you peace, comfort and joy as you begin Advent. 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.



10-year-old Benham from Iraq shares the Good News of Advent