Linga- Nazareth
On Friday, January 7th Light for All Nations Ministry held a Christmas gathering at Dawood Hall in Nazareth. The event was broadcast live via satellite on Al-Hayat channel. More than 800 people from across the Holy Land were in attendance.
The program began at 7 PM with a welcoming ceremony. Rani Espanioly and Rose Obeid served as the program hosts. They welcomed the attendees and asked Rev. Nabil Samara to lift a prayer of blessing over the evening.
A light dinner was served from 7-8 PM during which time Alpha Team performed several Christmas songs beginning with ‘Glory to You O Christ.’ Amal Mattar, a member of Alpha Team, sang a solo ‘O Holy Night.’ Musician Kamal Zayed played a song on the oud, accompanied by Rami Filemon on the tambourine.
The program broadcast began promptly at 8 PM and was aired live on Al-Hayat channel with global coverage to Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, South Arabia, Yemen, United States and Mexico. The viewing audience was predicted at 40 million people. The program was led by Rev. Nizar Shaheen, leader of Light for All Nations. Rev. Nizar introduced some of the program guests, including Rev. Victor Hashwe from Jordan.
Rev. Nizar welcomed the audience and satellite viewers from the city of Nazareth. Rose Obeid, co-host, also gave words of welcome. Rev. Nizar then offered a moment of silence in remembrance of the brothers and sisters from Iraq and Egypt who are persecuted and killed every day because they are Christians. He asked everyone to stand and observe the moment of silence as a symbol of unity with these martyrs. Rev. Nabil Samara then offered a prayer for the oppressed in Iraq and Egypt.
Rose Obeid shared words about the characteristics of the Virgin Mary, reminding everyone of her faith and humble heart as she was chosen to give birth to our savior, Jesus Christ. She also mentioned the significance of Mary’s words at the wedding in Cana when she said, ‘whatever he said, do it.’ (John 2:5) This should be our response to Christ.
This was followed by a video clip about the town of Nazareth and its historical significance to Christianity. Mrs. Obeid then called a former Muslim woman to the front to share her testimony with everyone. After this testimony, another video clip, this time about the city of Bethlehem, was presented. Alpha Team performed several songs after the final video.
Monther Naoum, Chairman of the Association of Baptist Churches in Israel (ABC) spoke briefly about the work of Holy Land Christians and the upcoming centennial celebration of Baptist work in Israel, to be held in May, 2011.
Rev. Victor Hashwe shared a Christmas message, followed by Rev. Imad Khoury who gave a poetry reading. This was followed with several brief messages from Christian leaders around the world, brought together via satellite.
Musician Maher Fayez was among those offering greetings and a clip of his song ‘The Lord is My Shepherd’ was played on the air. Vocalist Fadia Bazzi offered greetings and a clip of her singing was played.
The program concluded with words of encouragement and thanks from Rev. Shaheen.
Click Here for : The Photo Album " Christmas Program Live on Al-Hayat Tv"
