Dear Friend,
Welcome to 2025. I remain at a loss for words given the endless horrors inflicted upon a people whom I love dearly. I cannot say Happy New Year, but I remain hopeful that by year's end we will have cause to be happy - with violence having subsided and promise on the horizon - may it be so.
What I can offer is a brief excerpt from Rev. Munther Isaac's moving Christmas sermon, that I encourage you to read or watch in full:
"Today, let us reflect on the Child Jesus-the Child of Bethlehem. At the heart of the Incarnation, there is a child. In His weakness, He is our hope, our consolation, and our strength. This child shook Herod's throne. While there are some who talk about their 'Roman Empire,' or glorify Herod as 'great,' we Christians are the ones who sing of a child born to refugees escaping a massacre. And you cannot worship both. I pray that the image of the Child in the Rubble will be deeply rooted in our hearts and minds. He was born among us and entered our world under the most difficult and harsh circumstances. His family suffered greatly to protect His life. The children of Bethlehem were massacred, but not all of them. Jesus survived this genocide, becoming a refugee with His family in Egypt, then returning to His land and people, serving, building, working, and bringing salvation and redemption. In this resilient child and His family, we find hope. This child, whom we see today among the ruins, once stood before Pilate and Herod, faced death itself, and triumphed, granting eternal redemption.
With this hope and faith, we endure. We refuse to surrender to despair, because ours is a faith of resurrection. From the midst of the rubble, a plant of life will arise, giving the promise of a new dawn. The assurance of a harvest where justice and restoration will flourish, and the vine will bear fruit that nourishes generations to come. As the poet Mahmoud Darwish said: 'And the dying seeds will fill the valley with ears of grain.'"
On a happier note, because of an incredible outpouring of generosity in 2024, we were able to send an additional $105,000 to Mar Elias last week — $65,000 to renovate the nursery Safe Room and $40,000 in scholarship funds. We thank you so much for all you've given to these efforts.
Below you'll find news about Father Chacour's soon-to-be-published book, a webinar with peace partner Wi'am's Usama Nicola in February, and highlighting Mar Elias's impressive alumni.
Blessings,
Essrea Cherin
Executive Director
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