Anti-Christian incidents in Israel condemned
The uptick in anti-Christian acts in Israel that began last December continued last week when police arrested five suspects accused of harassing Christians in Jerusalem’s Old City.
The uptick in anti-Christian acts in Israel that began last December continued last week when police arrested five suspects accused of harassing Christians in Jerusalem’s Old City.
The Christmas narratives echo through the ages with as much relevance as they had in the first century. Still we we struggle with despots, injustices, uncertainties, and lack of real peace. Yet we can have confidence that the good news of great joy for all people is real, available now, and coming in fullness.
Bethlehem remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and God’s enduring promise. The Palestinian Christian community are reflecting Jesus' light to those around them: comforting the hurting, loving the broken, and proclaiming peace where there is strife; so that the light that shone from the manger in their city, Bethlehem, will continue to shine through them to the world.
Let us all remember our Syrian brothers and sisters in faith this Christmas. Pray with them in solidarity, that their hope will be strengthened as they endure immense challenges.
Lilly Nassar, a mother of three in Bethlehem, Palestine, has had her career as a Holy Land tour operator ruptured by pandemic and war. Undeterred, she is studying for a new career and finding new ways to share her love for her precious homeland.