Christian Jordanians have performed prayers in churches marking Christmas celebrations amidst an atmosphere of prayers and supplications for the continuation of stability in Jordan, peace in Palestine, and ending of the war in the afflicted Gaza Strip, in addition for all the countries yearning for peace and stability.

Near the nativity scene that represents the map of Jordan and Palestine--with a "heart" that represents the door of the nativity scene located in its midst at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Tla' Al-Ali--Christmas hymns reverberated calling for love and peace. Fr. Dr. Rif'at Bader, pastor of the church and director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Amman, addressed this issue relevant to the "heart" in his homily. He said that it represents the source, the storehouse, and the "black box" of human deeds, whether good or bad, where a person can place hatred and malice, and can also spread love and forgiveness. He noted that humanity, in the face of the cruelty of human hearts, is in dire need of sound and fraternal consciences.

Fr. Bader thanked God for the blessing of security and stability, and the kind and loving heart of His Majesty King Abdullah II, with whom we celebrated his Silver Jubilee this year. He also greeted young Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Hussein Ibn Abdullah, the governmental institutions, including the Prime Ministry and the Ministry of Tourism that lit up Christmas in most of the Kingdom's governorates, especially in the main Christian pilgrimage sites which provides evidence of the love and solid national unity among all citizens of dear Jordan. He said that this year, we mark the 20^th anniversary, namely the Silver Jubilee of Christmas celebrations after His Majesty the King declared it as an official holiday for all citizens in its first year of his ascension to the Throne, which consolidated and strengthened national unity annually.

Father Bader also greeted the security personnel that stood at the entrances of churches to share the joy of the holiday with people. He also prayed for Palestine and its beating heart, Holy Jerusalem, and for its heart stabbed by the occupation of Gaza, while referring to the solidarity visit made by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, a few days ago, who celebrated Christmas at the Church of the Holy Family.

Father Bader also prayed for Lebanon to restore its status quo ante as a beacon for the East, and for Syria, which is currently experiencing fateful day and stressed the necessity for all components of the country to have clear contributions to its future. Prayers were also offered for Sudan and Ukraine, and for the attainment of love and human brotherhood in the entire world.

Father Bader also noted that Pope Francis has 'thrown open' Holy Door to inaugurate 2025 Jubilee, namely the elapse of 2015 years since the birth of Lord Jesus Christ. He also called on the faithful to participate in the Holy Mass that will be held at the Baptism Church in the Baptism Site on January 10, during which the largest church in the world bearing the name of the Baptism of Lord Jesus Christ, affiliated with the Latin Patriarchate, will be inaugurated, in the presence of Pope Francis’ personal envoy, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.