THE Church of Scotland has issued a statement as the town of Bethlehem has cancelled Christmas celebrations for a second year amid Israel’s war on Gaza.
More than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed according to health officials in the besieged territory.
The usually popular Bethlehem on the West Bank – where violence has also increased amid the war – is quiet.
Typically, coloured lights on tall pine trees would preside over Manger Square, as visitors come to visit Jesus’s birthplace on Christmas Day.
But, this year, there are none – nor are there any seasonal events or handicraft markets.
In fact, the December advent calendar has been blank. Afterall, Bethlehem is only 46 miles from the war zone.
As people across Scotland celebrate Christmas, The Church of Scotland has released a statement to The National urging people to “remember those in suffering” whatever their faith.
A spokesman said: “The Church of Scotland joins its fellow members of the World Council of Churches in amplifying a call from the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem encouraging congregations in the Holy Land to fully commemorate the approach and arrival of Christ’s birth by giving public signs of Christian hope, but doing so in ways that are sensitive to the severe afflictions that millions in the region continue to endure.
“As we approach Christmas and the thoughts of believers around the world turn to events in the Holy Land two millennia ago, we also think about what is happening in the Middle East today.
“In the spirit of Christmas and following the example of Jesus Christ, whose birthday we celebrate, we remember those in suffering, in pain and in grief, and those who have been displaced from their homes, whatever their faith or background.
“Those Christians who remain in the Holy Land, as well as those who have travelled to join the Christian community at this time, will continue to testify to the sacred light of Christ in the very places where He was born, ministered, and offered Himself on our behalf, rising victoriously from the grave to a new resurrected life, maintaining that precious Christmas spirit in the place it originates.
“In that hopeful Christmas spirit, we look hopefully to moves towards a ceasefire in Gaza and give thanks for the agreement of a ceasefire already in place in Lebanon. We will continue to pray for lasting peace, not only here, but in Ukraine, Sudan and all other countries suffering through war and our brothers and sisters around the world who live in conflict zones.
“We also continue to advocate and pray for the release of all prisoners and captives, the return of the homeless and displaced, the treatment of the sick and wounded, the relief of those who hunger and thirst, the restoration of unjustly seized or threatened properties, and the rebuilding of all public and private civilian structures that have been damaged or destroyed, and provide what practical support we can to humanitarian activities.
“As we approach Christmas, we call upon all Christians and those of goodwill around the world to join us in praying and working towards these noble goals and make peace in our world our universal priority.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (Gospel of John 1: 5)”
