December 24, 2002 — Mudeif Productions

*Opening Christmas gifts from friends in Roswell, Georgia!*

Following exams, we were privileged to do something that no one in their right mind would say no to: give Christmas presents to first graders! In addition to the annual Christmas party they throw here, Roswell Presbyterian Church has just this year paired its first grade Sunday School class with the first grade Christian religion class in the school. Zababdeh's kids had sent pictures and cards to Roswell. The other day, the box arrived from Roswell - a care package with educational posters, supplies, toys for each first grader, and letters with pictures for each of the Christian kids who had been paired up. There's nothing quite like getting to be the source of joy for a smiling six year-old.

Elizabeth worked to put the final touches on our holiday vacation plans while Marthame finished up our internet business for a while before we headed back out to attend the Latin Church's elegant Christmas Eve worship. It is the only show in town, quite the beautiful, lengthy liturgy. Before Mass began, there was traditional canting. The manger scene was prepared, but locked. Fr. Aktham explained that, as Bethlehem is closed, so is the grotto. It can only be opened by the opening of our hearts to receive the Christ child. Meanwhile, he had slipped the key in someone's pocket as he milled around before worship. The embarrassed parishioner unlocked the manger, and the worship began.

*Marthame and Fr. Firas stand with Fr. Aktham.*

*Christmas Eve Mass at the Latin Church.*

There were, of course, the traditional Christmas carols that we know well, with an international flavor: The First Noel, Angels We Have Heard on High, even Silent Night. Marthame did double-duty, standing with the clergy as well as playing guitar and singing with the choir. Fr. Faisal Hijazin, Fr. Aktham's distant cousin, was the guest preacher, reminding us of the situation in Bethlehem, and how it isn't that different from 2000 years ago. We need to present our gifts to the Christ child tonight, he said, our love, our mercy, our peace.

As the bells rang, people embraced one another with the traditional greeting, "Kul 'am w-intum bi-kheir" - may you be happy all year - before rushing home in the pouring rain. Blessings flow.

In the words of Fr. Aktham's Christmas message, "In the midst of a war zone, we send to you our greetings in the name of the Prince of Peace." Merry Christmas.