December 2023 - Peace and Love at Christmas
Greetings in the wonderful Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace!
I am now in the Holy Land, returning home on the 24th. In the Holy Land, among the Palestinian communities, be it in the north, in Jerusalem or in the West Bank, there is a cloud of sadness as the people are in mourning over the war in Gaza, with many having lost loved ones. The whole community is in great pain. The lights, decorations and Christmas trees are absent. Large Christmas celebrations, like we had in past years in Bethlehem, are not acceptable at this time, but the churches are still gathering to pray.
Yesterday I spent the day in the place of Christ's birth. There were none of the typical nativity celebrations this year in Bethlehem, but there was a somber mood. I met with a group of ladies, who were refugees from Gaza now living in Bethlehem, and, on behalf of the Light For All Nations, we sponsored a small event wherein we were permitted by a restaurant to have a maximum group of 25. The ladies shared their stories and it was heartbreaking. Two sisters tearfully told how their entire family had been killed when the church wherein they took shelter was bombed. Others told me their family homes had been bombed and destroyed with many family members killed. In the Middle East most families all live within a multi-generational family home, or in the same apartment building, or next door to each other, as families are very close knit.
These ladies were so fearful and constantly watching and listening to the news hoping to hear any reports to let them know if their loved ones are alive or dead. Sadly some learned their family members died, not only from being shot or bombed, but from sickness and diseased that has spread due to lack of sanitary conditions and lack of medical care.
We prayed for their families, many of whom have taken refuge in either the Latin Church or the Greek Orthodox Church. Oh may God protect these people! I am sorry about this somber letter, at this joyous season, but I want us to be aware of the suffering going on and to challenge you, if you have not already, to give a gift to help with the aid we are planning to give to the innocent people of Gaza. Could you give what you would normally spend on one present for a family member? On the donate page, please put in the memo "Mission Aid".
The Lord Jesus who we are celebrating has such love for you and for me and for all people equally. The thousands of Palestinian children in Gaza who have died are now finding comfort and peace in the arms of Jesus, as will all who believe one day. Jesus is coming back soon. I pray you and all your loved ones will be ready for His coming.
May you have a joyous and peaceful Christmas!
In Christ's love,
Nizar Shaheen
