Our prayers, thanks, and solidarity to our brothers and sisters of Bethlehem and Palestine who are living under wicked and temporal occupation.
It is remarkable to reflect that more than two millennia after the first Christmas, the place where Jesus was born remains the essential physical symbol of Christmas.
There is both sorrow and hope intertwined in this reality.
For over 2,000 years, Christians worldwide have observed Christmas Day, believing that God took human form as a child born in Bethlehem, situated in ancient Palestine. Western churches mark this event on December 25th, while the Orthodox observe it on January 7th.
The Christian faith holds that God’s incarnation as a fragile infant born into poverty reveals profound truths about humanity’s purpose. God’s revelation came alongside the poor and oppressed. Those who follow Jesus are thus profoundly called to stand with the marginalized through empathy, unity, and a commitment to alleviating suffering—fulfilling the divine vision of peace and love taught by Jesus.
This year, as with many before it, the world remains scarred by conflict, violence, war, and human misery. Such a legacy is a disgrace, especially for Christians during the Christmas season. We are summoned to become agents of peace and compassion. Yet, if God entered history, why does peace continue to elude us?
Why do political figures fail to genuinely pursue peace through dialogue and brotherhood? The reality is that too many wielding power lack true dedication to their stated values. They benefit from systems that contradict peace and human solidarity, contributing to the problem rather than its resolution.
Bethlehem, Jesus’s birthplace, now stands amid immense suffering caused by genocide imposed by dominant world powers. Talk of ceasefires rings hollow amid this harsh reality. The Israeli colonizer regime, fully backed by the United States and European states, perpetuates genocide against defenseless populations living in deplorable conditions. This horror remains unchecked because those in power permit it and media outlets obscure its truth. Over the last two years, at least 70,000 people, mainly women and children, have perished. Where is the outrage, the empathy, the condemnation from Western politicians and the media? This silence exposes a disturbing complicity and indifference.
This situation brings deep shame to all Christians. Yet, paradoxically, it also provides strength and hope. Bethlehem powerfully reminds us whose side God ultimately champions in history and what our role should be as peacemakers: standing with the poor and afflicted, both physically and spiritually, and courageously opposing injustice and all forces hostile to peace.
Conflicts always have roots. We must pursue truth, compassion, and solidarity to end them and usher in peace, starting by viewing history through the eyes of the oppressed and victimized.
The world yearns for peace—not only in Palestine but also in Ukraine, Venezuela, and beyond. Who sparks these violent conflicts? What underlies them? Lasting peace is achievable only through truth, justice, and genuine brotherhood. Such peace is impossible where empire, exploitation, deceit, propaganda, conquest, militarism, and aggression prevail.
Our prayers, thanks, and solidarity to our brothers and sisters of Bethlehem and Palestine who are living under wicked and temporal occupation.
Amid oppressive evil and death, we wholeheartedly wish all our readers a Merry Christmas and a calm, peaceful New Year.
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