The Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued their annual Christmas message Dec. 22, calling Christians to practice steadfast faith, solidarity with those suffering, and renewed prayer for a “true and just peace” in the Holy Land, as violence continues despite a ceasefire that took effect Oct. 10.
“During these continuing times of hardship and strife throughout our region, We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, remain resolute in proclaiming and affirming to both our communities and the faithful around the world the message of hope revealed in Christ’s Incarnation and Holy Nativity in Bethlehem more than two millennia ago,” the church leaders wrote. “For in similarly difficult times, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to shepherds of that region, beseeching them to cast aside their fears.”
Reflecting on Luke’s Gospel account of Christ’s birth, the leaders recalled the angel’s announcement to the shepherds of “good news of a great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
The spiritual leaders wrote that it was in kneeling before the manger that the shepherds first encountered God’s gift of love by beholding “Immanuel, ‘God-with-us,’” a Savior who “emptied himself, taking on the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.”
The leaders reflected on the Incarnation as an act of radical solidarity with humanity, particularly those who suffer.
“In his great compassion for us, the Almighty deigned to take on our flesh and blood: to live among us and feel our pain; to offer precepts and guidance to walk in righteousness and peace; and to serve the downtrodden and afflicted before finally offering up his life on our behalf, that we might be raised with him to new life through faith in God’s gracious act of love (Romans 6:4; Ephesians 2:6),” the church leaders wrote.
While expressing gratitude for a ceasefire that has allowed many Christian communities to celebrate Christmas more openly this year, the leaders warned against mistaking a pause in fighting for lasting peace. They pointed to the prophet Jeremiah’s words “warning against those saying ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace’ (Jeremiah 6:14).”
“For we are fully aware that, despite a declared cessation of hostilities, hundreds have continued to be killed or suffer grievous injury,” they continued. “Many more have experienced violent assaults against themselves, their properties, and their freedoms — not only in the Holy Land, but also in neighboring countries.”
Against this backdrop, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches reaffirmed their solidarity with the suffering. They called on Christians and people of goodwill to persevere in prayer and advocacy for peace in the homeland of Christ’s birth and throughout the world.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of endurance and hope, invoking the witness of believers who remained faithful through hardship over the centuries, as well as “how Christ himself serves as the wellspring of our devotion to God.”
“We therefore encourage you to look to Him for your spiritual strength, even as the larger Body of Christ seeks to relieve your suffering and to strengthen you in your resolve to persevere in the Lord’s work.”
The patriarchs concluded by extending Christmas greetings to their congregations and to Christians worldwide, praying that all will experience the joy of God’s love.
“It is with these many sentiments that we extend our Christmas greetings to our congregations and to Christians around the world, wishing you and your loved ones the joy and peace that comes from encountering the boundless love of God made more fully manifest in the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.”
The message follows a Dec. 19-21 Christmas pastoral visit to Gaza by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, who celebrated an early Christmas Mass for Catholics at the Holy Family Catholic Church.
>> In Christmas visit to Gaza, Cardinal Pizzaballa encourages local faithful: ‘Do not be afraid’ <<
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