With the participation of musicians from the National Music Institute, led by Maestro Fares Abbasi, the Sacred Heart of Jesus choir has held a Christmas eve at the church of the Rosary Sisters Visitation Home in Dabouq, western Amman. The eve included Christmas carols and hymns calling for peace.

Sister Lilia Nimri delivered a welcoming  address and thanked the attending heads of the churches and their representatives, including Acting Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jordan Fr. Jihad Shweihat, the Patriarchal Administrator of the Greek Catholic Archdiocese of Jordan Archimandrite Boulos Nazha, Secretary General of the Council of Churches in Jordan Economos Ibrahim Dabour, as well as heads and representatives of various churches.

Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader, director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan, delivered an address during which he said that the Prime Minister’s declaration of an official holiday for all citizens a quarter of a century ago is a twin of the silver jubilee of His Majesty King Abdullah II. He noted that that declaring Christmas as an official holiday was one of the first decisions announced by His Majesty the King when he ascended the throne. Fr. Bader greeted the Rosary Sisters who have served in Gaza and lived for months under bombing, destruction, and displacement.

Fr. Munther Ishaq, pastor of the Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, spoke about the living conditions of Christmas at a time when human dignity is violated and joy finds no place in people. He said that the feast is an occasion to reflect on what is stated in the Holy Bible regarding the tragedies that had taken place, especially the killing of the children of Bethlehem and the departure of the Holy Family. He said that Herod does not have the final word, but rather it is for justice and peace.

At the end of the Christmas eve, Fr. Shawqi Baterian, parish priest of the Visitation House, gave an address during which he thanked everyone who contributed to the success of this Christmas eve.