As winter season approaches bringing in extreme cold, Palestinians in Gaza are facing horrendous conditions. In North Gaza, Israel targeted medical staff and patients, bombed homes, and abducted dozens of men from school shelters while pushing women and children out. In Central Gaza, bakeries were recently announced non-operational amid rampant starvation due to blockade. In South Gaza, two children were killed when a missile hit a tent encampment in Khan Younis, and four people were killed during a strike on Rafah.
In this season of expectation, we await the Prince of Peace, yet our hearts are burdened by the cries of those who know no peace. Holy God, as we enter Advent, we remember the cries of the innocent. Just as the children were massacred during the reign of King Herod, the children of today are also perishing amidst violence. Come, Emmanuel, and abide with those who wait in death and despair. Bring warmth to the winter, bread to the hungry, and peace to the world and especially the land of your birth.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer