Faith
Bethlehem and Jerusalem Shine With Christmas Lights
Faith Facts
- Bethlehem and Jerusalem held public Christmas celebrations for the first time in two years, bringing hope amid ongoing hardship.
- Community and church leaders emphasized the spiritual significance and unity found in the return of these cherished festivities.
- Despite economic challenges, families and local Christians welcomed the Christmas lights as a message of faith and perseverance.
Bethlehem’s Manger Square recently came alive as thousands witnessed the city’s Christmas tree illuminate the night, a tradition joyfully restored after a period of pause.
Leaders from the Custody of the Holy Land, including Fr Rafael Tayem and Fr Francesco Ielpo, joined Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati to celebrate this renewed symbol of unity.
“Some may say it’s not appropriate and others say it’s appropriate,” he said to a BBC reporter.
He continued: “But deep inside my heart, I felt that this was the right thing to do because Christmas should never be stopped or cancelled. This is the light of hope for us.”
Although the city faces ongoing financial strain and a struggling tourism sector, public celebrations mark a turning point that lifts spirits and restores long-held traditions.
Many local Christian families face a sparse Christmas, yet the revival of festivities points toward hope and enduring faith.
Nadya Hazboun, a local jewellery designer, shared with the BBC: “This is where it all started, so this is where we can send the message to the world of what really Christmas should be about. And this year, if Christmas is peaceful, then I hope it will bring a nice message for the whole world.”
The event featured music, addresses from dignitaries, and a lively parade, reflecting Bethlehem’s role in sharing a message of peace and hope born from faith.
In Jerusalem, the Christmas Festival at Terra Santa School resumed as families and students gathered, culminating in the lighting of the rooftop tree.
The choir from the Helen Keller School of Beit Hanina inspired audiences, demonstrating Christian charity and the inclusive warmth that the season represents.
Through every carol and prayer, believers in these cities reminded the world that the true light of Christmas shines brightest in times of hardship, drawing communities together through the steadfastness of faith and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Stand firm in prayer for brothers and sisters across the Holy Land, and let these renewed celebrations remind us all of the enduring promises found in Christ.
Faith Facts
- Jesus was born in a manger because people did not make room for Him, reminding us to make space for Christ during Christmas.
- Building meaningful traditions and slowing down allows couples to honor God’s design for marriage and family life.
- Centering marriage around spiritual intimacy with Christ transforms relationships and deepens unity.
During the busy holiday season, it’s crucial for couples to prioritize space for Jesus in their hearts and homes. Remembering Christ’s humble birth calls us to slow down and approach Advent with intentionality and faith.
“Making room for Jesus during the Christmas season is the most important thing we can do.”
Setting aside time for patient reflection and embracing shared traditions strengthens families and honors the way God created us to live. Ask together, “Who is God to us during this season?” as you build new traditions rooted in faith and unity.
“When we slow down enough […] we move in alignment with the pace at which we were created to live.”
True marital unity comes when both spouses anchor their relationship in Christ. Spiritual intimacy with God sustains marriage and fosters love, even amid the holiday pressures.
“Spiritual intimacy with God is one of the most essential parts of sustaining a marriage.”
This Christmas, invite Jesus into the center of your life, nurture deep family connections, and treasure the gifts of faith and freedom God has given. May your family be strengthened by His everlasting love.
Faith Facts
- The “good faith religious belief defense” was removed from Canada’s hate speech law.
- The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) warned this change could harm religious freedom.
- The bill is set to return to Parliament for further debate before likely becoming law.
Christian leaders in Canada are expressing deep concern as a House of Commons committee decided to remove a key religious expression protection from hate crime legislation. They fear this change threatens the ability of believers to express faith-based convictions without fear of prosecution.
On December 9, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights approved the amendment to eliminate the “good faith religious belief defense” from Section 319 (3) of the Criminal Code under Bill C-9, also called the Combatting Hate Act.
“There has been disturbing debate in the Justice Committee about the defense and whether biblical texts and other religions’ texts are hateful. This defense is an important protection for minority religious groups. We are very concerned that the defense could be removed.”
The EFC has pointed out that the committee’s decision follows heightened concerns regarding rising antisemitism, and was led by both the Bloc Québécois and Liberal parties. According to the committee recommendation, expressions of religious opinion would no longer be protected solely by good faith or argument grounded in religious belief.
The EFC noted that removing this protection was not originally included in Bill C-9. The Bloc Québécois had openly sought this change and announced an agreement with the Liberals to push it forward without input from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Christian advocates highlight that the elimination of this defense puts faith-based expression at legal risk. The EFC has taken an active role, meeting with committee members and providing written explanations about the vital importance of protecting faithful speech.
“Our communications to committee members and our written submission to the committee explained why this defense matters,” stated the EFC.
David Guretzki, EFC President, has directly urged the prime minister’s office to keep these protections in place.
This defense was one of four against charges of willfully promoting hatred and has rarely been used, always under strict judicial oversight. The EFC clarifies the defense does not shield people from criminal acts but specifically relates to debates over religious expression and accusations of antisemitism.
“This defense protects ‘good faith’ or honest belief,” stated the EFC. “It does not allow religious expression to be used as a Trojan horse to carry intended messages of hate.”
The EFC also raised concerns over other aspects of Bill C-9, such as the bill’s weaker definition of hatred and the removal of attorney general consent for hate crime prosecutions.
“The EFC’s brief also strongly recommended that the Committee reject any proposal to remove the good faith religious belief defense.”
Our faith and freedoms must be defended in law and in society. Christians are called to stand firm for the truth, praying for Canada’s leaders to uphold justice and protect religious liberty for all Canadians.
Faith Facts
- Elon Musk publicly attributed the creation of the universe to God.
- Musk described himself as a “cultural Christian” and acknowledged Christianity’s vital impact on Western civilization.
- He criticized California’s approach to transgender policies, moving major companies in protest.
Billionaire Elon Musk recently stated his belief that the universe was purposely created by God.
He shared his views on a podcast hosted by Katie Miller.
“The Creator” is who he most admires.
Musk emphasized his conviction that the universe did not form itself.
“God is the Creator,” Musk shared, adding that people may have different labels for their beliefs.
Musk explained his upbringing in the Anglican tradition and noted he considers himself a cultural Christian.
This perspective has been noted by some thinkers like Richard Dawkins amid concerns over eroding Christian identity in the West.
“I would say I’m probably a cultural Christian,” Musk said to Jordan Peterson. “I was brought up as an Anglican, and I was baptized.”
He has also warned that Western civilization is endangered if it loses its Christian foundation, showing the importance he places on faith’s lasting societal influence.
Musk’s personal life has been shaped by cultural debates as well.
His son’s struggles with gender identity influenced his strong opposition to California laws regarding parental rights, prompting the relocation of his companies to protect family values.
These statements reflect Musk’s nuanced but increasingly public acknowledgement of faith, culture, and the importance of biblical principles in sustaining America’s freedoms.
Stand strong in your faith and continue standing for biblical values that shape our nation’s future.
Stay connected for more stories spotlighting faith and freedom in public life.
-
Self-Reliance8 months agoTrump’s Bold Move Uncovers Massive Social Security Fraud
-
News9 months agoGovernor Walz’s Rhetoric Sparks National Controversy
-
Faith8 months agoNew Clues Emerge in Noah’s Ark Mystery
-
Family9 months agoTexas Lawmaker Targets Furries in Schools
-
News9 months agoMel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ Sequel Title Announced
-
Freedom9 months agoMaine Lawmaker Challenges Sports Fairness Controversy
-
Family7 months agoCanada’s Controversial Policy Sparks Ethical Debate
-
Faith2 weeks ago
Congress Hears Pleas for Nigerian Christians