God's Christmas grace is enough for us

Benjamin Pileggi • December 15, 2021

Christ Church Jerusalem to livestream Christmas Eve caroling starting at 8 a.m. ET

by Benjamin David
CMJ Israel

JERUSALEM – On Christmas Eve, in a normal year, the Christ Church compound would be teeming with thousands of local Arabs and Jews partaking in our Christmas open house festivities. Last year, due to COVID-19, we were severely limited in how many people we could host. Only one or two hundred people joined us for our traditional carol singing and fellowship over cookies and mulled wine. This year, despite still being in the shadow of a pandemic, we are cautiously optimistic that more visitors will join us . Israelis visiting our Heritage Centre will find more Hebrew-speaking guides who are welcoming and knowledgeable to answer all their questions about the Christmas story in their language.

Livestream Dec. 24

Crowd in Christ Church Jerusalem courtyard

Like in 2020, we will broadcast our caroling via YouTube and Facebook . We are grateful that the number of our online followers has grown, and we expect to reach more people via our digital platforms than on-site this year.

There is a famous Passover song that is sung at the seder called “Dayenu” or “It Would Have Been Enough for Us.” The song tells the Exodus story and declares at each stage of the story: had God stopped there, it would have sufficed for the children of Israel. This song comes as close to expressing the sentiment that the Christ Church team shares in these weeks leading up to Christmas.

If this Christmas the only growth is that we have more local guides, it will be enough. If we only host a few more people than last year, it will be enough. If only our online following grows, it will be enough. Yet, we feel that this year there is a great opportunity at hand. After a difficult pandemic period for many, we are convinced that our friends and neighbors here in Israel are more open than ever to hearing the message of Christmas.

Watch on Dec. 24

We invite our CMJ USA family to partake in our hope and prayer that beneath the festive spirit this year – the cookies, the decorations, the lights, and the music – every person who comes to our compound will leave having been touched by the grace found in the story of the Incarnation.

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Fuel the Mission: CMJ USA Day of Giving, October 14

By Carino Casas • August 25, 2026

2026 has been a remarkable year of connection for CMJ USA. Traveling across the country to meet so many of you in person—at churches, conferences, and gatherings—is always a highlight of our ministry. From our early trips through South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to our upcoming visits in California, Texas, and Virginia (plus the meaningful Seders and teachings close to home in Pennsylvania), we are deeply grateful for every open door. As we look ahead, we are preparing for a major milestone: launching Emunah in 2027 and introducing it to congregations nationwide. To reach as many communities as possible, we need to build a strong digital and physical foundation today. Here is where your Day of Giving support directly makes an impact: Expanding Emunah: While Emunah will initially launch as a digital download, our goal is to expand into print editions and high-quality video instruction to maximize its reach. Travel & Outreach: Bringing the Jewish roots of our faith directly to local congregations requires flights, rental cars, and boots on the ground. Upgrading Our Digital Presence: We are optimizing our website to make key resources easily accessible and expanding CMJ’s voice on social media to actively counter anti-Jewish rhetoric with truth and clarity. How You Can Partner with Us Today Invite Us to Your Church: We would love to minister to your local congregation in person. Pray for the Ministry: Stand with us in prayer for wisdom, safe travels, and open doors. Invest in the Mission: Consider becoming a monthly donor or giving a strategic one-time gift this Day of Giving. As Director Emeritus Philip Bottomley often reminds us, "The Lord pays for what He orders." We also know He delights in using His saints as conduits of His abundant provision. To our faithful regular donors: thank you. You are integral to everything we do. Will you help us take this next step forward today?