This Christmas there is war in the Holy Land. Bethlehem will hold religious celebration but none of the usual public festivities and no pilgrims. Palestinian Christians, Muslims, and Jews will all be suffering the devastating consequences of the war. The people of Ukraine will search the skies for Russian drones and Russian bombs targeting the civilian infrastructure of their country.
This Christmas is special (even if not easy) for suffering people. They, and all of us, are reminded that Jesus came into the world to save us from the sins that cause wars, that lead people to inflict suffering on one another.
“For he delivers the needy when he calls, / the poor and him who has no helper. / He has pity on the weak and the needy, / and saves the lives of the needy. / From oppression and violence he redeems their life; / and precious is their blood in his sight” (Psalm 72:12-14).
