Despite the hardship the region has endured over the last two years, the Christian population living where Jesus himself was born and lived can continue to find hope in Him this Christmas, said a new message from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem.
"We, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, following in the example of our Lord in His Incarnation, continue to stand in solidarity with all those who are suffering and downcast," said the statement, which was published on December 22.
"And we call upon Christians and others of goodwill around the world to persevere in praying and advocating for a true and just peace in the homeland of our Lord’s birth — and, indeed, throughout the earth."
The Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem are an ecumenical group of Christian leaders, including Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Pizzaballa is the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the leader of the Latin-rite Catholics in the Holy Land.
Much like today, said the statement, in the time when Jesus was born, the region was in "similarly difficult times."
It was then, "an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to shepherds of that region, beseeching them to cast aside their fears," and telling them that Christ the Lord had been born.
"It was in kneeling before the manger in that sacred cave that the shepherds first witnessed God’s gracious gift of love," said the Church leaders.
The statement continued, "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 later preach a message of repentance and God’s redemption for all people; 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."
The patriarchs and heads of churches "rejoice" in a ceasefire, and how many places are once again able to publicly celebrate Christmas, "we nevertheless pay heed to the Prophet Jeremiah's warning against those saying 'pace, peace' when there is no peace.'"
"For we are fully aware that, despite a declared cessation of hostilities, hundreds have continued to be killed or suffer grievous injury," said the statement, and people are still experiencing violence in countries neighboring the Holy Land.
For those who are still suffering, there is hope to be found in Christ, "the wellspring of our devotion to God," said the statement.
"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," said the statement.
This Christmas, the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem are "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."
