War on Christmas

Next time someone complains to you about someone's so called war on Christmas, think of and pray for these Christians....

BAGHDAD — The Christian archbishop of Basra on Tuesday canceled the celebration of Christmas in that southern city to protest the deaths of a brother and sister, both Christians, as bombings and mayhem struck at cities throughout Iraq.

Archbishop Imad al Banna said Christians in Basra should still pray to mark Christmas, but should forgo such celebratory trappings as trees, gift-swapping and family gatherings to protest the deaths of Maysoon Farid, a 30-year-old cashier at a local pharmacy, and her brother Osama, 33. The two were found dead Monday night, dumped in a neighborhood controlled by the Shiite Muslim Mahdi Army militia.

...By Leila Fadel and Ali al Basri, McClatchy Newspapers

Almighty God,
by Whose grace and power Your suffering Church in Iraq has triumphed over suffering and these two Saints have been faithful unto death: strengthen us with Your grace, that we may endure reproach and persecution and faithfully bear  witness to the name of Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, Who is alive and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Comments

[Annie]

Thank you for posting this or otherwise I would have missed knowing about it. In this bleak time of waiting, in this darkness before the light comes into the world, I think very often about what it was like when the world ached for the light and waited. For the Iraqi Christians, it seems, Advent is altogether too real and will be prolonged. May we pray for their self-sacrifice and add strength to their prayers--for peace, for hope, for joy, for love and for the light of God.

Thank you again for reminding me . . .

[David Richardson]

After reading this, I'm thinking maybe we American Christians ought to tone down our constant groaning and complaining about how "horrible" things are for us. You have a good post, and a good point.