Faith
Bethlehem’s Christmas Tree Lighting Signals New Hope
Faith Facts
- Bethlehem’s public Christmas tree lighting returned in 2025 after a two-year pause caused by conflict.
- Church leaders and families united on Manger Square, highlighting faith, resilience, and the enduring message of Christ’s birth.
- Christian and civic leaders linked the event to hope for peace and economic renewal in the region.
This year, Bethlehem’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony broke a two-year silence, celebrating the return of hope and unity in the birthplace of Jesus.
Attendees, including church dignitaries and local families, gathered to mark this moment of spiritual renewal and resilience in the midst of ongoing challenges.
Bethlehem’s mayor spoke of the city’s steadfast faith and its message of justice and freedom made possible in Christ, shining anew for the world.
Dr. Ramzi Khoury, on behalf of the Palestinian president, emphasized that the birth of Christ is not just a story from the past but a living reminder that God’s hope and peace endure, even when darkness surrounds.
Blessings and prayers for peace were offered as the Christmas lights shone from Manger Square, honoring Christ’s birth and inspiring those burdened by hardship.
“From the Shadows of War… Peace Is Born,”
The municipality’s presentation echoed the core biblical promise that Christ brings light in any season of trial.
Regional Christian leaders saw the strong turnout as a powerful witness to the world, celebrating unity and the enduring love of God.
“It was distinguished by the number of participants and dignitaries who accepted the invitation, the generosity of international and local sponsors, and the quality of the program,” said Latin Bishop William Shomali.
The program featured greetings from global Christian leaders and music from diverse church traditions, underscoring Bethlehem’s place as the capital of Christmas.
Evangelical leaders, like Rev. Jack Sara, were deeply moved by the community’s faith in action.
“It felt like everyone was hoping and praying for the success of the event and for the return of hope to our Palestinian people after the dark last two years,” said Rev. Jack Sara.
He praised the biblical foundation of the carols and messages, expressing the prayer that Christ’s light of peace and justice shines brightly even amid adversity.
Shireen Awwad Hilal noted this year’s quieter joy was rooted in the sure promise that God’s light is never extinguished.
“Hope entered the world not in comfort, but in a humble manger, reminding us that God’s light seeks out even the darkest valleys,” said Hilal.
This spiritual revival also brings hope for Bethlehem’s local economy, as renewed celebrations encourage the gradual return of pilgrims and travelers.
Though the wounds of conflict are deep, rising tourism and restored community gatherings reflect the uplifting power of faith at work.
Let us remember and proclaim the truth that in Christ, the light of hope shines on, calling us to prayer, service, and steadfast faith even in uncertain times.
Faith
Britons Leaving Christianity Turn to Pagan Paths
Faith Facts
- A new study finds a growing segment of Britons are turning away from Christianity toward paganism and spiritualism, instead of major organized religions.
- Researchers report Britain is experiencing a significant reconfiguration of religious identity, with more individuals seeking personalized forms of spirituality.
- The largest movement among those leaving Christianity is toward atheism, agnosticism, and alternative spiritual practices like Wicca or Paganism.
Faith in Britain is shifting, with fewer people following inherited traditions and more exploring personal spiritual paths.
This trend highlights a hunger for meaning yet reflects a society moving further from Biblical roots and Christian doctrine.
The 2021 census revealed increasing numbers identifying as pagan or Wiccan, often in rural regions such as Cornwall and Somerset.
Pagan and Wiccan practices appeal to those disenchanted with organized faiths, emphasizing nature and personal experience over Biblical truth.
“Britain is undergoing a profound reconfiguration of religious identity,” wrote researchers Charlotte Littlewood and Rania Mohiuddin-Agir in their report.
Many turning from Christianity cite disbelief in God, doubts about doctrine, or negative faith experiences as reasons for leaving.
Modern pagan groups frequently gather outdoors, honor deities from ancient cultures, and focus on rituals rather than scripture.
The report notes environmentalism and a return to nature are central to modern pagan beliefs, rather than accountability to God’s Word or a Biblical moral order.
Unlike Christianity, which centers on salvation and absolute truth, new spiritual paths encourage individual ethics and subjective experiences.
Despite significant losses, Christianity in Britain still welcomes new and returning believers, many of whom seek direct relationship with Jesus over denomination.
This evolving spiritual landscape challenges believers to stand firm and share the hope and truth only Christ provides.
Faith
Hobby Lobby’s Gift Rebuilds Church After Fire
Faith Facts
- David Green, Hobby Lobby founder, donated $7 million to help rebuild First Baptist Dallas’ historic sanctuary.
- The church was devastated by a four-alarm fire in July 2024, but remains steadfast in its mission and community outreach.
- A matching pledge from a dedicated church family enabled a full $14 million toward the campaign’s $95 million goal.
First Baptist Dallas is rising again after a tragic sanctuary fire, thanks to faithful generosity and God’s provision. The congregation celebrates a major $7 million gift from David Green, supporting the mission to reach souls for Christ and restore this iconic house of worship.
Senior Pastor Robert Jeffress shared how Green’s commitment stands as a testimony to Christian unity and purpose. “Pastor, your church is about winning people to Jesus. And that’s what we love at Hobby Lobby. We want to win as many people to Jesus as quickly as we can. And that’s what you’re doing. And we want to play a part in the rebuilding of that historic sanctuary.”
This remarkable support comes as the church continues serving with vibrant ministries and outreach, growing stronger through adversity. The faith-filled journey to rebuild debt-free is possible when believers stand together for the Gospel.
Be encouraged to keep these efforts in prayer and consider how your own gifts can help restore Christian landmarks for future generations. Faith, hospitality, and American values continue to flourish in the heart of Texas.
Faith
MP Defends Christian Nurse Facing Discipline
Faith Facts
- A Christian nurse, Jennifer Melle, is under disciplinary investigation after referring to a biological male patient in line with his sex.
- MP Claire Coutinho has urged hospital officials to end actions against Melle, calling it a grave injustice.
- Melle states her Christian convictions and integrity are being punished, despite over a decade of dedicated service.
Jennifer Melle, a senior nurse, was suspended after addressing a biologically male inmate by his birth sex, sparking claims of misconduct. The patient allegedly responded with racial abuse toward Melle.
She has been accused of breaching data rules by discussing her case publicly, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council claims her actions may pose a risk. Melle insists she is being penalized for standing up for truth and for whistleblowing.
Claire Coutinho MP wrote,
“Taking disciplinary action against Jennifer Melle is a grave injustice.”
“If sanctions are imposed it will cause severe damage to the Trust’s reputation with the public, who can clearly see that Jennifer has done nothing wrong.”
“Ultimately, this is about a nurse who has given over a decade of service to the NHS and who, through no fault of her own, was subjected to racial abuse at work by a transgender convicted paedophile.”
“She was then abandoned by the institutions, including the NMC and the RCN – that were supposed to protect her, but which have instead surrendered to the influence of radical gender ideology.”
Melle expresses her gratitude for her supporters and the Christian Legal Centre, calling this the most challenging time of her life.
“I have always sought to provide the highest standard of care to every patient.”
“But I could not in good conscience refer to a male paedophile as a woman.”
“Doing so would compromise truth and, in my view, patient safety.”
She said.
“I am devastated that my faith and professional integrity have led to this situation, but I stand by my convictions.”
“I am very grateful for what Claire Coutinho has done and now pray for protection and justice.”
Christians are reminded to stand firm in their faith, even when institutions waver, and continue to champion truth, justice, and compassion.
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