On the 7th of January, the Orthodox Christian world celebrated Christmas Day. Christmas Day is usually marked by Orthodox Christians as a day for feasting and enjoying the company of friends and family members. The Christmas meal usually includes meat and several types of pastries, breaking the long “Nativity Fast”. Furthermore, special liturgies and prayers are made in honor of Christ’s incarnation.
Emmanuel, as the Christian Orthodox world celebrates Christmas, let them center on the real and revolutionary message of Christmas. As gifts are given on Christmas, let us remember the words of Saint Nicholas, “The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic Gods giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.” Here in Palestine, we await the gift of liberation from oppression, justice from injustice, peace from war, life from death. Let us imitate God’s gift by giving all oppressed peoples around the world the gift of liberation.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer