And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David Dear Friends and Supporters, For Christians, the birth of Jesus represents the opportunity to be reconciled to God. Truly this is a time of rejoicing, but the chance to travel to Bethlehem, the land of Jesus' birth, to worship and celebrate Christmas is not open to everyone. Many of the faithful living right near the Holy Sites and Bethlehem are unable to freely travel there to worship – as did the three wise men more than 2000 years ago. Even amidst the violence and flying rockets children are living in fear or even worse, being killed. All of this at Christmas- a time that should be for peace and joy and good will toward mankind. Parent's hearts are breaking. They cannot do as much for their children as they would like. Who will hear their silent cries? Who can ease their pain? Our moral, spiritual and financial support is needed! We hope you will keep them in your prayers as well as share your financial resources to help them have a more peaceful and joyous Christmas and all year long.The Christmas Season is important to the Christian community in Bethlehem and the Holy Land, and it symbolizes a time of hope and peace for the people of Bethlehem, as well as the broader Palestinian community. The origins of the Christmas story lie in Bethlehem, and thus, the celebration of Christmas represents a window to the world for Palestinians. This occasion marks not just a day of religious and spiritual importance to the Christian community of the Holy Land, but it also denotes a day of national significance, cooperation and unity within the Palestinian and Bethlehem communities, producing a message of peace, reconciliation and unity. Support HCEF's Emergency Christmas Appeal HCEF aims to provide moral and financial support to help sustain the Christian presence and heritage in the Holy Land through programs developed to create jobs, rehabilitate homes, sponsor children in schools and give emergency relief to families in need. The Christmas season is a beautiful time of year for providing additional help so that all will have a blessed and more joyous Christmas season. "With your donation you can help to make Christmas brighter for children and families in the Holy Land." Please let this letter touch your heart and move you to share your resources. Don't just toss it to the side. It is truly an Act now- your support is urgent! You can be an instrument of peace and help someone in the Holy Land to have a more joyous and blessed Christmas. Families are in need, and even amidst their daily struggles of war, checkpoints and life's many other obstacles, they remain faithful, hopeful and encouraged in their faith. Through your support they will know they are not forgotten. During this Christmas season we hope you will find it in your hearts to share your resources and ensure a brighter Christmas for our brothers and sisters living in the Holy Land, especially for the children, by donating to the Emergency Christmas Appeal! "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 All of us at HCEF wish you a peaceful and Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Thank you for all you do at Christmas and all year long! Rateb Rabie, KCHS President/CEO Visit us online at www.hcef.org to see more detailed information about our many other HCEF programs created to sustain the Christian presence in the Holy Land.
Emergency Appeal!
God bless,
