Belgium-based Pax Christi International is urging people of faith to send on-line Christmas greetings of solidarity and encouragement to the isolated Christian community in Bethlehem, the place of Jesus’ birth.
“For the tenth consecutive year, Christmas celebrations will take place in a difficult climate for people in the Holy Land,” says Pax Christi’s Fr. Paul Lansu. “As we prepare to celebrate Advent and Christmas in the security of our homes and communities, let us not forget to pray for justice, peace and security for Palestine and Israel.”
Christmas messages and prayers can be emailed to the Arab Educational Institute between now and Jan. 7 (Eastern Christmas). To read all messages, visit the Web site.
While English is the preferred language, non-native English speakers may also send wishes and prayers in their mother tongue.
“Sending a wish or a prayer by email is an important way of communicating with many people who long to hear a word of hope,” Lansu says. “Our partners in Bethlehem greatly appreciate receiving wishes and prayers from people outside the region, both as personal and spiritual gestures of comfort and hope on the occasion of Christmas.
“These messages are one way of breaking through the isolation our Bethlehem partners experience.”