大象传媒

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Today, many Christians throughout the Middle East who still follow the ancient Julian calendar will be celebrating the birth of Christ, who chose to be born of a simple family in a humble manger. He was not to be born in a palace, nor surrounded by servants of the angelic host, but shared the life that many Christians themselves are living on this very day.

On their part, the many thousands who will spend today in refugee camps or in war-torn villages and cities will remember with particular significance that the Infant Christ literally did not have a place to lay His head.

Whether it be our sisters and brothers in Syria, the Palestinian territories, Libya, Egypt or throughout the Middle East, they will have to contend with matters that for us will occupy a three minute slot on today鈥檚 news, but for them is the reality of their lives.

During a season where the more privileged are focussing on gifts and feasts it will be good to remember those for whom the most significant gift today besides the birth of the Incarnate Word, is the fact that they may be able to wake up healthy and still surrounded by their families and whatever remains of their communities.

We remember all those in the many communities of the Middle East, whose lives have been torn apart by war and violence, praying peace and comfort upon them all, and that the spirit of joy will enter into their hearts, homes and communities.

Amen.