Christmas messages from our Convener and Stewart Gillan

Dear Friends of St Andrew’s Jerusalem,

One of the most enduring Christmas songs from the Middle East is Laylatal Milad (On Christmas Night), which captures the meaning of this special time for us all year round:

When we offer a glass of water to a thirsty person, we are in Christmas

When we clothe a naked person with a gown of love, we are in Christmas

When we wipe the tears from weeping eyes, we are in Christmas

When we cushion a hopeless heart with love, we are in Christmas

On Christmas Night …there is no hatred

On Christmas Night …the earth flourishes

On Christmas Night …war is buried

On Christmas Night …love grows

The Rev Dr Stewart Gillan writes:

We join with Christians throughout Palestine and Israel this year in open celebration of the birth of the Christ child, with lights shining out again from the tall Christmas tree in Manger Square in Bethlehem, not seen since December 2022. It is a victory of the spirit, pushing back on the darkness, an expression of resistance, enduringly faithful to the Christ who may be found among the bereaved and wounded, and those who continue to serve them, calling the global Church to be present where he himself is present.

A happy Christmas to all when it comes, and a new year in which we may again rejoice.

In Jesus’ name, Stewart

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas, and may the words of Laylatal Milad ring true for 2026.

Ian