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“This transcendent and most holy gift to the world is our salvation and our hope that we are not alone,” the message reads. “God’s presence with us in all circumstances is a source of encouragement and sustenance, especially at these exceptional times of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic crisis, injustices and increasing violence against the vulnerable and weak.”
The message expresses solidarity with all people around the world who have been affected by COVID-19, particularly the people of Bethlehem and the surrounding area. “We pray that the forthcoming vaccination against COVID-19 may bring an end to the pandemic and a return to normalcy,” continues the message. “The presence of the Christian communities, together with other faith communities in the Holy Land, continues to be an essential part of the social, cultural and religious mosaic of the Middle East.”
Christmas 2020 Message of His Holy Beatitude The Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III