Dec 2nd, 2025
For the second year, Sabeel partnered with local organizations to develop a play titled Emanuel. The play explores the reality of life in Gaza during the Christmas season, emphasizing how love triumphs over power and remains a more potent force. It was attended by nearly 400 people, primarily teenagers and young adults, in Jerusalem. The play is scheduled to be performed in Ramallah on January 5th and in Bethlehem on January 12th.
Loving God, we thank You for the success of the play Emanuel and for the message of hope and love it has brought to so many hearts. We are grateful for the opportunity to share stories that inspire faith and remind us of Your presence in our struggles. Bless the upcoming performances in Ramallah and Bethlehem, that they may touch even more lives and spread the truth of Your enduring love. Strengthen our belief that love is the most powerful force and that the might of oppression and violence will not prevail.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
In recent sermons and masses, Pope Francis has condemned the deaths of Palestinian children, calling Israel’s actions “cruelty, not war.” His increase in advocacy follows a number of other symbolic gestures, including unveiling a nativity scene with a Palestinian keffiyeh. The Pope has maintained daily contact with Gaza’s Catholic parish since the war began, and last week, the Holy Family Parish hosted mass with a Vatican envoy that included Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. The Pope’s actions have prompted Israel to summon the Vatican’s ambassador and for President Isaac Herzog to seek an audience with him, concerned about his influence on global opinion.
Incarnate Christ, we give thanks for the prophetic voices rising across the world. Lord, continue to guide the Church to sow seeds of revolutionary love, speaking truth boldly and standing with the oppressed. We pray that all church leaders will remain faithful to Christ as they continue to work for justice, peace, and reconciliation.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
On Christmas in Gaza, three babies died because of the cold. In one massacre, five journalists were murdered in a press van while waiting for the birth of one’s child at al Awda Hospital, along with 5 healthcare workers. The names of the journalists are: Ayman Al-Jadi (Journalist), Faisal Abu Al-Qumsan (Reporter), Fadi Hassouna (Editor), Ibrahim Sheikh Ali (Journalist), and Mohammed Al-Lada’a (Editor). The names of the healthcare workers are: Dr. Ahmad Samour (Pediatrician), Israa Abu Zayda (Laboratory Specialist), Abdul Majeed Abu Al-Eish (Paramedic), Maher Al-Ajrami (Paramedic), Fares Al-Houdali (Maintenance Specialist).
Good God, help us to you see the realities in Gaza and put an end to the massacres that happen daily. Lord, Amidst our lament, we cry out for those who were killed while serving others—journalists who sought truth and healthcare workers who gave their lives for their patients. We confess our inability to name all the dead, and we ask you to bring them into your heavenly care. Help us with our faith, help us witness the suffering, and help us see your face in the faces of the fallen. Strengthen our resolve to participate in the work of your revolutionary love despite the suffering.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The latest destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital and the horrors committed by the Israeli military at the hospital are unfathomable. As the last functioning hospital in Northern Gaza, its violent raid and burning on 27th December, 2024 by Israeli forces left patients and staff displaced, with hundreds of individuals unaccounted for, including hospital director Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya. Survivors interviewed by EuroMed Monitor revealed the Israeli military conducted deliberate field executions, sexual assaults, and physical beatings while abducting over 240 medical personnel. Northern Gaza now stands without any functioning hospitals.
God who was, and is and is to come, we stand overwhelmed at the latest destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital. We cry out for justice, for the healing of the wounded, and for the safe return of the disappeared. We pray for all medical personnel abducted, and we pray for the safety of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, who selflessly served his patients despite threats and violence. In the face of such cruelty, help us to hold on to hope, guide us as we strive to stand in solidarity with those suffering, and grant us the strength to continue working for peace, justice, and compassion.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The Israeli army is preparing to deploy dystopic technological security systems in the occupied West Bank, which include watchtowers and mechanisms that will fire live ammunition from a distance without taking into account the safety of Palestinians in case of technological errors. This move comes in conjunction with the continuation of Israeli raids and settler attacks on Palestinian cities and towns, as well as official Israeli statements calling for annexing the occupied West Bank and expanding illegal settlements there.
God of Justice, we decry the technologies of empire used to maim and destroy. As we live in fear of a worsening reality in the West Bank, our souls long for your righteousness. Lord, we pray for the protection of the innocent, an end to the violence, and the softening of the hearts of those in power. Illuminate to the world the plight of communities under durress in the West Bank, and help strengthen the voices around the world that work in solidarity with those suffering.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
The start of the Jewish holiday Hannukah began last week on the evening of December 25. The last night of Hannukah will occur on January 2nd, 2025.
Lord of light, in this Hanukkah season, we lift our Jewish brothers and sisters standing in courage and solidarity for the oppressed. Despite the suffering we witness, may we never conflate Judaism with Zionism, but instead uphold the true spirit of faith—one of love, mercy, and dignity for all. Continue to bless their work for peace and justice, and may your light change the hearts of those who misuse faith to justify violence and oppression.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join with the World Council of Churches in their prayers for all stateless people.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer