Patriarchs and Heads of Local Christian Churches in Jerusalem

Loving Lord Jesus,

You came into our world to show us the way, the truth, the life; May we find theway, know the truth and experience the life that is eternal - especially as we celebrate Christmas.

(Prayer of John Johansen-Berg)

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Once again we have the important responsibility of preparing for Christmas. We do so at a time in history when we see so much evil around us. Peoples hopes and aspirations being shattered with misery becoming the operative word in many of thier lives.

All of this is a challenge to us as Christians in the Old Testament God used many prophets to communicate to His people.  Whereas, in the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem He takes the most dramatic step possible. He gives us His only Son - the Prince of Peace.

Two thousand years later we Christians have the responsibility to involves ourselves in a struggle to strenghten the spiritual, cultural and social expressions of our faith in the face of the distorting and alienating trends of modern life.

In the first instance to see a situation clearly we need light. Jesus in the light of the world and we must demonstrate a greater use of His light. As St. Paul rminds us when writing to the Ephesians "You are the light in the Lord, be likd children of light, for the effects of light are seen in complete goodness, irght living and truth. Try to discover what the Lord wants of you, having nothing to do with the futile works of darkenss but exposing them by contrast."  (ephesians ch.5 v8 - 11)

Then in the face of so much evil and oppression we ned to be men and women of Hope. "We must be self restrained living good an religious lives here in this present world, while we are wiating in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the God and Savior, Jesus Christ."  (Titus ch.2 v. 12)

Finally, we as Christians must be involved in renewal as we accept the challenge of new responsibilities and attempt to possess a keen sensitivity towards the changing conditions and situations of Society.  The events of that first Christmas must have  direct impact on the lives we live today.

Having said all this we would not want our Brothers and Sisters in this HOly Land to think that we are unaware of the many idfficulties which our people face each day by the continuing Occupantion, the daily experiences at Check Points, the loss of land etc. and the hardships which occur daily as a result of the so called Security Wall. Moreover, we are particularly conscious of the many hardships which the people of Bethlehem have to face each day, as well as the children of Gaza.

To our Sisters and Brothers overseas we thank you for care, concern and prayers for our people. here. Naturally it is a joy when you come to visit and make a particular effort to meet your fellow Christians in this Land and share worship with them. However, from time to time we are saddened to learn that certain groups are not visiting Bethlehem. Please, your presence in Bethlehem is vital.  How can you celebrate Christmas if you ignore the very place God gave u s His only Son, Jesus.

As we look across the world we are not unaware of the sufferieng of so mnay people. Like all of y ou, we pray for peaace in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakisstan and vast areas of Africa, together with other troubled areas of thworld.

This points us to the important role we Christians have in working for Peace and expressing, loud and clear, what we believe Jesus would have to say and wish us to do.  Christmas must surely remind all of us of our need not only to pray for peace but do all in our power to help attain it. Jesus was never afraid of speaking out to those in authority; often challenging the positions they were taking.  We cannot claim to be children of God if we do not follow our Lord's example.

So, to all of you - near or far we wish the peace and joy of Christmas together with God's richest blessings.

"The angel said, Do not be afraid. Listen. Ibring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the tow of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord."  (Luke ch.2 v. 10&11)

Patriarchas and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem, December 2009

Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox

Patriarch Fouad Twal, R.C. Latin

Patriarch Torkom I Manoogian, Armenian Orthodox

Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa, ofm, Custs of the HOly Land

Archbishop Anba Abraham, Coptic Orthodox

Archbishop Swerios Malki Murad, Syrian-Orthodox

Archbishop Abouna Matthias, Ethiopian Orthodox

Archbishop Paul Sayyah, Maronite

Archbishop Joesph Jules Zreyi, Greek Catholilc

Bishop Sugail Dawani, Anglican

Bishop Mounib Younan, Lutheran

Bishop Pierre Malki, Syhrian-Catholic

Fr. Rafael Minassian, Armenian Catholic