At Christmas, Jesus the Christ comes to us as a child. What a miracle!

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Greetings,

At Christmas, Jesus the Christ comes to us as a child.  What a miracle!

The living God comes to earth in the womb of a woman and in the ancient town of Bethlehem, King David’s city. It is this incredible gracious action of God that inspires the work of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation (HCEF), especially at Advent.

From this little town of Bethlehem comes forth our message of joy, love and hope, which ultimately overcomes all evil.  The King of Peace came 2000 years ago and is in our hearts today, particularly among the poor, the sorrowing, the lowly, the hungry, the thirsty, the merciful, the single-hearted, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for holiness’ sake (Matthew 5: 3-10).  Today, the people of Bethlehem are suffering under prolonged curfew and military closure.  This Christmas, please unite yourself with these Holy Land Christians in their prayers for all Christians, Jews and Muslims in the Holy Land.  Let us pray that justice may arrive soon so that peace can finally follow.  Let us truly demonstrate our love for one another in this prayer so that all will know that we are Christ’s disciples!  (John 13:35) 
   
The work of HCEF is to help Palestinian Christians sustain their lives in these very dark days of brutal isolation and deprivation.  Please join in our work in order to maintain the message of Christ in the land where He was born, lived, died and rose again.  May the New Year bring the fulfillment of the angel’s message: “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth.” (Luke 2:14)


God Bless You,


Rateb Y Rabie, KHS