Never before have Iranians needed to hear God's promise from Isaiah 9:1: "The people who walk in darkness shall see a great light; the light shines for those who dwell in the land of darkness."
Several stories show that God's light is present and pushes back the darkness:
After the murder of a family member, Nasir's life was consumed by thoughts of revenge. Then God met him. "My revenge was transformed by the gospel into forgiveness, and forgiveness has become my ministry," says Nasir, who serves the church in the Iran region.
Last week, seven teenagers in Iran - so angry and hopeless in the face of ongoing unrest - came to faith in Jesus through an online youth meeting. They are now beginning their journey of faith.
I This week, the father of a recently detained Christian in Iran, concerned about his son's situation, concluded: "Maybe the Lord wants him to be a witness in prison. Pray that he becomes a light for Christ."
Despite the risks, believers across Iran are finding creative ways to share the good news this Christmas season. For example, members of a house church make cards to invite friends to a Christmas gathering.
As Christians share the message of Jesus in Iran in the midst of such darkness, we must also have opportunities to share hope with those around us.
May more of us get some of their boldness so that many more people around the world would also bend their knee to Emmanuel.
How can I support?
Some Christians are sentenced to five and ten years in prison in Iran. Prisoners of conscience are unable to contribute financially to their families, leaving them in a difficult financial situation. Through the Danish European Mission, you can provide food, medical care and support to cover the cost of rent, water, electricity and heating to families in Iran where one spouse is imprisoned for their Christian faith.
Support Iran: Support for families of Christian prisoners
You can also ensure that a copy of the New Testament is smuggled into Iran or distributed to Iranians in neighboring countries for DKK 40. The longing for a loving and merciful God is great in Iran.
Support Iran: Smuggling New Testaments
