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December 2, 2008

Prayers sought for Bethlehem during Advent and Christmas

Send e-mails to embattled citizens of Jesus Christ’s birth place

by Juan Michel
WCC News and Information

GENEVA — As many Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Advent and Christmas in the security of their homes and communities, they are invited to pray for justice, peace and security for Palestine and Israel — and to send a prayer or a peace message by e-mail to Bethlehem.

“Sending a wish or a prayer by e-mail is an important way of communicating with many people who long to hear a word of hope,” said officials of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and its Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF), which are coordinating the project that began in 2000.

“People in Bethlehem greatly appreciate receiving wishes and prayers from people outside the region, both as personal and spiritual gestures of comfort and hope on the occasion of Christmas,” the groups said. “These messages are one way of breaking through the isolation they live in.”

Again this year, Christmas celebrations will take place in a difficult climate for people in the Holy Land. However, Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, is still first and foremost a city of peace.

“And even in these trying times, many individuals and groups living there refuse to give up hope,” PIEF officials said. “They continue to search for non-violent ways to voice their rights and work for a peaceful and just future for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

The initiative is locally supported by The Arab Educational Institute,  Library on Wheels for Non-violence and Peace, The Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, The Justice and Peace Commission of Jerusalem and the Wi’am Center.

International supporters include The WCC’s Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum, Pax Christi International, The International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Church and Peace, The Presidency of the Conference of European Justice and Peace Commissions and the Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples.

Wishes and prayers will be printed and handed out as personal messages, included in educational materials (e.g. at schools), and delivered in the context of interfaith prayers in places of worship and in the newly established peace house of the Arab Educational Institute opposite the Israeli “separation wall” at Rachel’s Tomb in Bethlehem.

The wishes and prayers could also include ideas for non-violent actions, which will be launched at the beginning of Advent.

WCC/PIEF asks that e-mails be sent before Dec. 25. While English is the preferred language, non-English speakers may also send wishes and prayers in their mother tongue.

Read all messages at the AEI Center and Pax Christi International Web sites.