They say that to pay attention to your life and the world around you is to open yourself up to grief, sorrow, disappointment, and rage. What if you could see it different?
A comment from Fadi Suidan, CEO of Jerusalem International YMCA:
Dear Tim,
As we approach this Christmas season in the Holy Land, amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas, I find myself in profound contemplation. This year, the holiday period is unlike any I have encountered in my lifetime. It is, without doubt, the most difficult. My heart is torn, grieving for the loss of life and the nonstop suffering around us. In these moments of deep sorrow, the need to feel Christ's presence is more intense than ever.
Your exploration of the #CHRISTISNOWHERE strikes a chord, especially now. In the face of such overwhelming adversity, where despair and hopelessness loom large, it's easy to feel that "CHRIST IS NO WHERE." The relentless conflict, the fear it instills, and the despair it brings, can make it seem as though we have been forsaken.
However, the message of Christmas, the celebration of Christ's birth, offers a different perspective - a beacon of hope in these dark times. It's a reminder that even in the most tumultuous periods, "CHRIST IS NOW HERE." This message is not merely a play on words but a profound truth that resonates deeply in our hearts, particularly during this difficult period.
As a Christian Arab witnessing the agony of my land, the teachings of Bonhoeffer, Paul, and Augustine, which you eloquently referenced, provide a source of strength. They remind us that amid conflict and sorrow, Christ's presence offers a beacon of hope, a promise of peace, and a call to love even in the most challenging circumstances.
This Christmas, as I struggle with the pain and the grief of the ongoing conflict, the message of Christ's birth takes on a new, more profound meaning. It is a reminder that despite the darkness surrounding us, there is a light that cannot be extinguished. It is a call to hold onto faith, to find solace in the promise of Christ's presence, and to embody His teachings of compassion, peace, and love.
The celebration of Christ's birth in these trying times is a testament to the enduring power of hope and faith. It is a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances, "CHRIST IS NOW HERE" - in our hearts, in our actions, and in the love we share with those around us. It is with this belief that we decided to hold the “lighting of the tree” event on advent Sunday despite all the criticism we encountered.
In this season of reflection, amidst the turmoil and the tears, I am reminded of the importance of holding onto the message of Christmas. It is a source of strength, a beacon of hope, and a reminder of Christ's enduring presence in our lives.
A comment from Fadi Suidan, CEO of Jerusalem International YMCA:
Dear Tim,
As we approach this Christmas season in the Holy Land, amidst the conflict between Israel and Hamas, I find myself in profound contemplation. This year, the holiday period is unlike any I have encountered in my lifetime. It is, without doubt, the most difficult. My heart is torn, grieving for the loss of life and the nonstop suffering around us. In these moments of deep sorrow, the need to feel Christ's presence is more intense than ever.
Your exploration of the #CHRISTISNOWHERE strikes a chord, especially now. In the face of such overwhelming adversity, where despair and hopelessness loom large, it's easy to feel that "CHRIST IS NO WHERE." The relentless conflict, the fear it instills, and the despair it brings, can make it seem as though we have been forsaken.
However, the message of Christmas, the celebration of Christ's birth, offers a different perspective - a beacon of hope in these dark times. It's a reminder that even in the most tumultuous periods, "CHRIST IS NOW HERE." This message is not merely a play on words but a profound truth that resonates deeply in our hearts, particularly during this difficult period.
As a Christian Arab witnessing the agony of my land, the teachings of Bonhoeffer, Paul, and Augustine, which you eloquently referenced, provide a source of strength. They remind us that amid conflict and sorrow, Christ's presence offers a beacon of hope, a promise of peace, and a call to love even in the most challenging circumstances.
This Christmas, as I struggle with the pain and the grief of the ongoing conflict, the message of Christ's birth takes on a new, more profound meaning. It is a reminder that despite the darkness surrounding us, there is a light that cannot be extinguished. It is a call to hold onto faith, to find solace in the promise of Christ's presence, and to embody His teachings of compassion, peace, and love.
The celebration of Christ's birth in these trying times is a testament to the enduring power of hope and faith. It is a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances, "CHRIST IS NOW HERE" - in our hearts, in our actions, and in the love we share with those around us. It is with this belief that we decided to hold the “lighting of the tree” event on advent Sunday despite all the criticism we encountered.
In this season of reflection, amidst the turmoil and the tears, I am reminded of the importance of holding onto the message of Christmas. It is a source of strength, a beacon of hope, and a reminder of Christ's enduring presence in our lives.
Wishing you Hope, Love and Peace,
Fadi Suidan, Adv.
CEO, Jerusalem International YMCA