OB Christmas Booklet

Celebrating

Christmas

with Many Tribes, Tongues and Nations

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t Operation Blessing, we have the deep honor of serving people and communities from all around the globe.

Their rich and varied cultures provide us with such joy and inspiration. As we enter the Christmas season, we want to share this international spirit with you, that you too can be inspired by the incredible tapestry of image-bearers our God has woven together.

So we asked members of our teams from around the world to prepare a series of devotions for you. At the time, even we had no idea how beautiful their stories would be. We will open in the United States with a contribution from our Operation Blessing president before diving into unique devotions from other nations. In addition, we’ve sprinkled in some lyrics from traditional Christmas carols.

We hope that you will incorporate these moving testimonies of Christ’s love into your holiday celebrations and enjoy this special gift along with us.

The traditional carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” truly embodies the spirit of Christmas and has been sung around the world for hundreds of years. It is a cry for Christ—also known as Emmanuel, meaning God with us—to come and save the earth. It also incorporates a song of praise as we anticipate His sure response. This beautiful carol was first written in Latin in the 1700s but hails from traditions dating back to the seventh and eighth centuries in Europe. It was first translated into English in 1851. We encourage you to take a moment to meditate on several inspirational verses of this classic song.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o’er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high, And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.

A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

AMERICA The Abundance of His Blessings

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t Christmastime, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus. His coming into the world is described by the Apostle John as the Word of God becoming flesh to live among us. Then John makes this wonderful statement: “From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.”

How amazing it is to consider the many blessings that God has lavishly poured out on our lives! And because of His limitless supply, you and I have an abundance of blessings to share with others in need around us.

Gordon Robertson

President of Operation Blessing 4

Ephesians 3:19 promises that as we experience the boundless love of Jesus, we “will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” As Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, we become rooted and grounded in love. And when we truly understand that the fullness of Christ dwells within us through His Spirit, everything changes!

The Holy Spirit works in our innermost being to strengthen us, guide us, and teach us.

The Spirit builds us up, gives us wisdom, and empowers us to do His will.

This is why Paul also wrote, “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion” (Ephesians 6:18).

When we pray continually in the Spirit, we are strengthened with His might, grounded in His love, and filled with all His fullness.

As we open our hearts to Him, God anoints us to do the work of His kingdom. This anointing is vital as, together, you and I share His compassionate love with people across our land—bringing relief to disaster survivors, feeding hungry families, and helping so many others in desperate need.

God bless you for your part in our Operation Blessing family!

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. [ JOHN 1:16 ]

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A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

CHINA

The Hope and Peace in My Heart I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

[ ROMANS 15:13 ]

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Chinese pastor once told me about Christmas in the early years in China before it became a well-known holiday. Sixty years ago, there were hardly any believers in his area, and no one celebrated Christmas. But the few who did believe would walk about 31 miles to gather together for preaching and singing. At that time, they had no hymnals. So their pastor wrote a praise song and gave it to everyone to sing.

The man recalled one Christmas when someone suggested that they all donate whatever money they had in their pockets to buy a tape recorder so they could record the pastor's teaching. It could then be made available to the many brothers and sisters in Christ who couldn’t make it to the gathering.

What strikes me about his account is the believers’ great hunger for spiritual food and their sense of the preciousness of fellowship with other believers. They had to walk by foot for perhaps nine hours just to gather together! What’s more, their hearts longed to 6

bring the message to those who could not physically travel to the gathering.

Good News of Jesus’ birth that has transformed countless lives and brings great joy even in difficult circumstances.

In the thousands of years of Like the Scripture above states, Chinese history, Christmas was I pray that God will fill you only celebrated widely for a completely with joy and couple of decades after peace because you trust China opened up to the in him. As you spend West. During that time, time in God’s Word, Chinese people often dressed up, enjoyed CHRISTMAS may the Holy Spirit which means cause you to overflow a special evening out, "holy birth holiday" with confident hope and gave each other in the midst of the apples. This is because challenges in your life. the Chinese word for May He remove all anxiety and “apple” sounds like their word fill your heart with everlasting for “peace.” Believers invited peace and joy. their friends and relatives to Christmas church services with choral performances, dances, Shèngdàn jié kuàilè Merry Christmas in Chinese and dramatic nativity plays.

However, since 2018, the government has banned all things Christmas—even the Santa decorations at shopping malls. So, once again, like it was 60 years ago, the holiday is quiet and the gatherings are small.

So, amidst the hustle and bustle of your life, may the Lord draw you into quiet moments alone with Him so that you may have time to reflect on the

Author Anonymous* *Due to safety and security concerns for Christians in China

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A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

HAITI

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The Most Precious Gift

n the nation of Haiti, Christmas is celebrated as an essential holiday. Our midnight mass, the gala evening, decorations, and Christmas trees—everything focuses on the spiritual aspect of the celebration.

Christmas is also a time when people like to give gifts to one another. We call it our sharing season. During this time, many of the people who moved to cities for work will travel to their homes of origin, bringing etrèn (gifts) for people in their families and neighborhoods.

I remember when I was 10 years old my mom gave me a toy helicopter for Christmas. It was an imported toy with a battery

Frantz Lalanne

Warehouse Manager, Operation Blessing Haiti 8

temporary joy. It’s capable of inside that allowed it to move. I opening the door to eternal had never seen anything like it.

My mom, who worked in Port-au- happiness! During this period of Christmas, open your heart to Prince, bought it for me from a toy store and brought it to where the One who gave you the most beautiful and precious gift of I lived in the countryside. She your life. put the helicopter under my pillow What an immense Thank God for this gift on Christmas day, joy it is to be the too wonderful for words! and then she told beneficiary of me to look to see [ ­2 CORINTHIANS 9:15 ] such a gift! You if Santa Claus had too can receive visited me. After this precious gift. a lot of searching, In Revelation 3:20, I found it. I was so Jesus said, “Look! I stand at the surprised! door and knock. If you hear my That little gift made a lifelong impression on me. I was so delighted when I received it, and my friends were equally excited and amazed. Thinking about that simple experience brought me to a reflection. If humble material objects can make us feel so happy, what about the greatest gift the world has ever known? Jesus!

God gave us His only son.

What a marvelous grace!

What an inexpressible gift!

This gift is not like material possessions that give

voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

Will you open the door of your heart to receive this indescribable gift?

Jwaye Nwèl

Merry Christmas in Haitian Creole

INSPIRATION FROM

GERMANY Steadfast like the Christmas Tree

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he Christmas tree covered in twinkling lights and festive decorations is perhaps one of the most popular Christmas traditions around the world. The custom could hail from as far back as Egypt and Rome, but it came to America via the Christmas trees of Germany, along with the carol celebrating it.

The words to this beautiful song explain the significance and spiritual relevance of these cheerful trees. Although many versions have arisen over time, we chose one that we hope will inspire you.

Today in Germany, Operation Blessing is reaching out to help with humanitarian projects around the world, including support for Ukrainian refugees.

Frohe Weihnachten Merry Christmas in German

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.

Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. [ 1 CORINTHIANS 15:58 ] 10

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree How steadfast are your branches.

Your boughs are green in summer's clime And through the snows of wintertime.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree How steadfast are your branches.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree How lovely are your branches.

Their pillars all please faithfully Our trust in God unchangingly.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree How lovely are your branches.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree Your boughs can teach a lesson That constant faith and hope sublime Lend strength and comfort through all time.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree Your boughs can teach a lesson.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree What happiness befalls me When oft at joyous Christmastime Your form inspires my song and rhyme.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree What happiness befalls me.

A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

HONDURAS

Embracing the True Gift of Christmas

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uch of the world walks without God, feeling an emptiness in their hearts, and they become lost in their search for a thousand things to fill it. They seek happiness in people, possessions, parties, and all manner of celebrations.

Christmas is a time of great joy in our country, as it is in most of the world, a time to share with family and give and receive gifts.

So it’s sad to see how far some people are from recognizing the true meaning of the celebration.

In Honduras, it is customary for the entire family to gather before midnight on Christmas Eve and eat the famous nacatamal together, a traditional food similar to a tamale that is always present at Christmastime.

Another custom is an exchange of gifts known as “the secret friend.” This

But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. [ JOHN 1:12 ] 12

begins in the first days of December by writing each participant's name on a piece of paper and placing it in a container. Then each person takes one and sees the name of their secret friend without revealing it. For the entire month, they then sneakily leave gifts and clues for their secret friend to discover, while everyone has fun trying to guess who it might be.

Through these beautiful traditions and family time, we remember the true and wondrous gift of Christmas.

Christmas is Christ Jesus being born in a manger, God's greatest gift to humanity, His only Son sent as a sacrifice in an expression of His great love.

This is the reason we share the love of Jesus, because it is important for both children and adults to understand that Christmas is about Christ and that God has given us the greatest gift through Him—salvation! What a beautiful gift.

The most important decision you can ever make is whether to reject or accept this wonderful gift. Will we exercise our right to be called children of God, to enjoy the blessings that come with the greatest title of all, and to live according to His will?

Thank you, Jesus, for this marvelous gift! We encourage all of you to fully embrace it during this season and throughout your lives.

Keila Cano Rosa Martinez Leyla Galindo Children’s Staff, Operation Blessing Honduras

Feliz Navidad

Merry Christmas in Spanish 13

A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

INDONESIA Angels Among Us That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.

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[ LUKE 2:8-9 ]

hristmas has always been very special for me. The miraculous birth of Jesus transpired in the midst of such simplicity, surrounded by ordinary people. Before the shepherds came to Jesus, angels appeared to them in the wilderness in the dark of night to tell the great news of the birth of the Savior. Then they showed the way to Jesus so that the shepherds could worship Him. My small family was the only Christian family amongst our relatives in Indonesia. During my childhood, for a Javanese to become Christian was unusual, as the Javanese people are largely Muslim. But God’s love changed us to become new creations! I remember how God once sent an “angel” to my family. He was a friend of my father’s, and he boldly shared about Jesus and led us to Christ.

God poured out His love on me and my family. We faced isolation and rejection from so many of our relatives and community members, but we received God’s promise that we were not to be

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Septiana Sacharinawati Creative Producer, CBN Indonesia, OB Partner

afraid because we had Jesus as the greatest gift in our lives. Growing up, we had wonderful times with God, and my parents raised us to love Jesus and each other in such a godly way. Many times we could see our relatives struggling without the peace and love that knowing Christ brought to us.

How special we are in God's eyes! Just like the shepherds were chosen to hear the Good News and were led to Christ by the angels, so was my family.

So was I. Christmas reminds me that I owe Him everything, that I am honored and loved, and that I’m significant in His eyes.

Now, by serving God and spreading the Good News of the Gospel throughout Indonesia, I can become an angel for somebody else!

I can be God's messenger to proclaim His amazing life and love to the next generation through the Superbook programming I help produce. I’m so grateful and honored to have that opportunity.

Selamat natal

Merry Christmas in Indonesian

A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

KENYA Christ : The Reason for the Season

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hristmas in Kenya is celebrated by family gatherings and lots of festivities. Many people save money throughout the year so that they can travel and spend time with loved ones, as is the case in so many parts of the world.

In Scripture we also see God waiting for the right season to send His son. Then, in a phenomenal act of grace, He sacrifices that son whom He loves, so that we too might become His very own children.

In light of that tremendous gift, this Christmas I’d like to encourage you to keep in mind three important words.

Jonathan Olendo

Programs Coordinator, Operation Blessing Kenya

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SEASON Every holiday has a reason for the celebration, including Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for celebrating, though much of the time we’re drawn to concentrate on other things.

When we don’t involve Jesus as we celebrate, we cannot really say we celebrated Christmas.

It is like hoisting another country’s flag as you celebrate Independence Day! This Christmas, be intentional, and make Christ the reason for the season.

SACRIFICE As we make sacrifices of finances, work and time to enjoy the holiday, let us also remember that the ultimate sacrifice was made by God who gave His only Son. There is no sacrifice we can make that can be greater than Jesus dying for us. Would we be willing to prayerfully sacrifice and provide an answer for someone in need?

SALVATION As we plan on giving gifts, let us remember that the greatest gift on Christmas day is the gift of salvation—when God redeemed us for Himself. He gave His very best for us so that we might be free and experience the joy of becoming His children.

That brings me back around to the idea of the season once more.

Christmas is like an “open season” for sharing the message of salvation. It’s built right into the holiday. Let’s make an intentional effort to share the Good News of Jesus with people around us.

Remember, the season is about Christ, the sacrifice made by Christ, and salvation that comes through Christ.

Krismasi Njema

Merry Christmas in Swahili

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.

[ GALATIANS 4:4-5 ] 17

INSPIRATION FROM

JORDAN

W

Christmas in Our Hearts

hile many associate the Middle East with Islam, there is a rich Christian history in this area as well. In fact, when terrorist factions took over Iraq, many Christians fled to Jordan as refugees.

Today, Operation Blessing friends like you support Christian refugees in Jordan with supplies, skills training, medical care, and education. Over the past few years, we have also worked together in Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, and Egypt to bless those in need.

eid milad majid

Merry Christmas in Arabic

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me.

I was in prison, and you visited me.” [ MATTHEW 25:35-36 ]

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Please enjoy this translation of a beautiful and inspiring Christmas carol that has long been popular in the Middle East.

On Christmas Eve When we give a thirsty man a glass of water, it is Christmas.

When we clothe a needy person with a robe, it is Christmas.

When we wipe away the tears of crying eyes, it is Christmas.

When we fill hearts with hope, it is Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, hatred is erased.

On Christmas Eve, the earth blossoms.

On Christmas Eve, war is annihilated.

On Christmas Eve, love springs out.

When I give my friend a kiss with a pure heart, it is Christmas.

When the spirit of revenge dies in me, it is Christmas.

When there is no hardness in my heart, it is Christmas.

When I dissolve myself into the presence of God, it is Christmas.

On Christmas Eve, hatred is erased.

On Christmas Eve, the earth blossoms.

On Christmas Eve, war is annihilated.

On Christmas Eve, love springs out.

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A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

MEXICO

H

God Among Us

ow fortunate was John to be able to say he and his friends had seen Jesus’ glory with their own eyes, let alone be seen by Him, talk to Him, and experience His unfailing love before He returned to the Father?

How different would my life be if I had personally encountered Jesus with my own eyes?

If I had witnessed His neverending faithfulness?

As I ponder on this idea, I realize I have had a personal encounter with Jesus, perhaps not a physical one, but His Spirit has consoled mine in the middle of uncertainty, and His Name has been my refuge and tower in moments of fear.

I might not be able to touch

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Him, but He can certainly be my companion and champion if I continue to turn to Him for support and guidance.

He can strengthen and inspire me as I go about my work capturing media of the amazing humanitarian work that Operation Blessing is doing in Mexico, like installing water systems and providing lifechanging surgeries. Jesus is ever-faithful to His children.

This Christmas, I’ll celebrate the truth that just as He, being God, came to the world to walk with us, so we, through our spirits, can make a home with Him in the heavens.

Let’s all remember that there is great purpose and hope for us today and for eternity.

So the Word became human and made his home among us.

He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. [ JOHN 1:14 ]

Silvia Carranza

Media Manager, Operation Blessing Mexico

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A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

PHILIPPINES Follow the Guiding Star

When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

[ MATTHEW 2:10-11 ]

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hristmas in the Philippines would not be complete without most homes displaying the famous parol, a star-shaped lantern often made of bamboo sticks and colored art tissue paper. Though new versions with more intricate designs have also become popular, even the simplest parol never fails to bring cheer.

Traditionally believed to symbolize how light triumphs over darkness, the parol also reminds many of the unusual star “with royal beauty bright” that brought exceeding joy to the wise men one night centuries ago.

Being adept astronomers, these wise men (also known as magi or kings) from the East recognized that this guiding star was pointing to the whereabouts of a newborn King—a King who had no equal.

How particular and personal of our Creator to use something familiar to all the wise men to lead them to Himself! Like a guiding

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Him gold to welcome a king, frankincense as an offering to a deity, and myrrh, foretelling His sacrifice on the cross.

Jesus is committed to revealing Himself to us more than we are to seeking Him. He knows Felichi Pangilinan Buizon that only He can end OB Volunteer and Host of The 700 Club Asia our search for what truly satisfies. This Christmas, star, He summons some people let’s take a second look at today through acts of kindness; our affections and even our some through difficult times; afflictions—and reflect on how some with music, stories, He may be using them to point movies, poems, lyrics, miracles, us to Him, much like a guiding star. or marvels in nature. He can and And remember from the story will use just about anything to of the wise men, true seeking draw us near to Him. involves time, resources, fellow For these men, it was a star travelers, Scripture, and the of wonder that caught their crowning realization that Jesus attention and prompted a is truly worthy of our worship lengthy journey through and our best. “field and fountain, moor and mountain.” This search led them Maligayang Pasko to Herod’s palace and, through Merry Christmas in Filipino the teachers of the law, finally to Jesus in Bethlehem.

Did He not promise that if we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him? And oh, what an incredible encounter it is! These earthly kings did not only bow down in recognition of the King of Kings, they also worshiped Him and honored Him with their fitting gifts. They offered 23

A SPECIAL DEVOTION FROM

UKRAINE In the Darkest Hours, Don’t Be Afraid

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hristmas in Ukraine has always been something magical and wonderful. It's the day when the whole family gathers at the table in traditional clothes, when songs sound everywhere, when people rush to celebrate with relatives and friends, when it can seem that even the wind ceases to be chaotic and begins to circle in its own sort of melody. Joy is everywhere. Everyone becomes kinder. Dreams and hopes are revived.

But today as I write this, the mood in Ukraine is far from Christmas.

Instead of songs, sirens blare while screams and pleas for help are heard all around. Instead of fireworks, combat missiles zoom and explode throughout the country.

The place where people rush most often is the nearest bomb shelter. The Ukrainian people are losing loved ones and losing homes. The country is losing its future. Clouds are accumulating in hearts filled with pain. There seems to be no hope.

And at this moment, we are reminded that as those ancient shepherds were suffering under the Roman yoke, an angel suddenly appeared. He said, “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

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In Ukraine today, people are suffering due to war. But the truth is, this war has been They were terrified, but going on for a very long time. This is not the angel reassured them. just a war between Ukraine and Russia— “Don’t be afraid!” he said. not even a world war between the existing “I bring you good news coalitions. This is just one battle in a war as that will bring great old as time. It is the war between life and joy to all people.” death, good and evil, God and rebellious [ LUKE 2:9-10 ] spiritual creatures. This is a war with an enemy that has only one goal: the genocide of human beings created in the image and likeness of God Himself. From Eden to Ukraine, from Abel to the young girl lying dead under the rubble in Donetsk, this war spares nothing in its path.

But the good news is that there is already a winner in this war!

His name is Jesus Christ. Many years ago, He was born in a mortal body to restore us to immortality. That is why we celebrate Christmas. Grief will be replaced by joy. Our world will be replaced

by God's world, in which there is no more place for war. When God came to the war-stricken Earth, He brought peace that passes all understanding. Having been born in a stable, He gave us the opportunity to someday live in heavenly mansions.

The first rocket fired by the Russian army was a herald of war for us. But we must remember that 2,000 years ago, an angel came and said, “Don’t be afraid.

I bring you good news.” Let us rejoice. Our Savior is alive!

And salvation has come.

щасливого Різдва Merry Christmas in Ukrainian

Volodymyr Makarus OB Interpreter, Ukraine

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Go Tell It on the Mountain

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e hope you’ve been inspired by this journey around the world as you’ve met some of our Operation Blessing staff members and learned a bit about the countries served by friends like you across the globe.

Now we bring you safely back to the U.S. Here we will leave you with a famous Christmas carol from our own shores. “Go Tell It on the Mountain” is an AfricanAmerican spiritual first compiled by choir director John Wesley Work Jr. in about 1865.

Please take a final moment to reflect on these hope-filled lyrics.

Our prayer for you is that you will not only celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in your heart, but that you will also spread it to the world around you.

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Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born.

While shepherds kept their watching O'er silent flocks by night, Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light.

The shepherds feared and trembled When, lo! Above the earth Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior's birth.

Down in a lowly manger Our humble Christ was born And brought us all salvation That blessed Christmas morn.

Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere.

Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!

At Christmas

AND ALL THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Operation Blessing friends like you give the gift of love to people in need!

Operation Blessing is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization dedicated to partnering with YOU to demonstrate God’s love by alleviating human suffering in the U.S. and around the world.

For more than 40 years, your love has shown through Operation Blessing as together we’ve provided hunger relief, medical care, clean water, and disaster relief to millions around the world.

Through compassionate, efficient, and locally focused programs we are able to target the specific needs of those we serve and provide a gateway for our partners to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus for those who are suffering and in need.

To learn more visit

operationblessing.org

© 2022 Operation Blessing | operationblessing.org | 800-730-2537 Scripture is quoted from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation.

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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