Christmas in the presence of the King: National unity and a message of peace

"You have maintained this noble tradition for 25 years, ever since you declared Christmas an official holiday during your esteemed reign. Greetings and gratitude are extended to you." With these words Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, began his address at Al Husseiniya Palace, when His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein welcomed the heads of churches and of Islamic institutions in Jordan and Palestine for a meeting that became an outstanding sign in both the national and religious scene.

Since 1999, His Majesty the King announced Christmas an official holiday. In 2,000 the first meeting of His Majesty the King with heads of Churches and of Islamic institutions became a firm annual tradition which was not confined to religious leaders but included as well heads of major Islamic institutions in Jordan, including the Ministry of Awqaf, the Ifta’ Department, and the Department of the Chief Islamic Justice in addition to representatives from Palestine including the officials in charge of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

A sentiment of love and abounding warmth pervaded the Grand Al-Husseiniya Palace, which welcomes on daily bases heads of state and political officials seeking His Majesty's wisdom to guide them in making sound decisions in their countries, for the peoples of the region, and for the world. Over the past 25 years, this esteemed palace has also been the venue of hosting numerous historic meetings which bore religious significance, and from where several noble initiatives emerged. This year, we mark the 15th anniversary of the World Interfaith Harmony Week which was initiated by His Majesty in 2010 at the United Nations and was unanimously adopted by the world's nations without objections or abstentions.

This meeting takes place two months after His Majesty's meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, during which they jointly affirmed their support for the two-state solution, an issue reiterated just days ago upon his departure from Lebanon, which the quiet and peaceful Jordanian diplomacy firmly and responsibly leads.

In his address, the Patriarch of Jerusalem also explicitly elaborated on the situation in Gaza to His Majesty, “which God granted him the opportunity to visit three times last year, while one which  was during the war”. He referred to steadfast priests, nuns, as well the families who found a refuge qualified with warmth, and protection at a time when that value the diplomatic and humanitarian efforts exerted by His Majesty the King in support of Gaza and its people.

From Gaza, the address shifted to Jerusalem, where the Patriarch conveyed to His Majesty the King the cordial feelings of both Christians and Muslims, emphasizing that His Majesty is the protector of the historical trust that Jerusalem represents and the custodian of its unique tapestry woven from religious traditions and holy sites. He also appealed for the return of pilgrims who used to visit Jerusalem in large numbers, urging them to resume their visits to the Holy Land, bearing in mind the profound spiritual and humanitarian significance of such visits.

The speakers recalled His Majesty's meeting a few days prior to the meeting with Christian figures from the East, during which His Majesty conveyed a firm determination to preserve the Arab Christian identity, in its capacity as one of the fundamental bases of the region's sublime plurality. The difficult situation in the West Bank was also addressed by the speakers who highlighted the daily dangers that the Palestinians face, in light of their deep degermation to live and be free.

In Jordan, Patriarch Pizzaballa stated that the ecclesiastical institutions continue their daily mission by serving humans through religious, educational, and humanitarian institutions that serve Jordanian Muslims and Christians as well as  who found in Jordan a safe haven.

The attendees expressed hope that religious tourism in Jordan and Palestine would restore its momentum, stressing that this requires an atmosphere of stability and peace that enables pilgrims to come and receive the spiritual blessings they seek during their holy pilgrimage to our dear country.

It was a sublime gathering in context and message that reflected the national unity prevailing between the wise Hashemite leadership and all shades of  people. It also expresses the historical  nexus between Muslims and Christian in this land as this bright image needs basic components, namely political security, permanent stability, as well as a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza and throughout Palestine which leads to enabling the Palestinian people to attain freedom and independence, as well as to establish their independent state on their national soil with Jerusalem as its capital.

During these Christmas days, hymns and sincere prayer are offered asking God to preserve Jordan--its King, the Crown Prince, and the people-- so that it may remain the strongest and closest support for the Palestinian people, as well as for the suffering humanity  in a world that is badly in need for wisdom and peace.

Happy anniversary.