Arif Khan, London, UK
It’s that time of year again. The time when twinkling lights and shiny tinsel seek to outshine the long hours of darkness and wintry weather. The familiar festive excitement is almost tangible: plays, songs, warm fires, glinting trees, special offers, Santa and the reindeers – traditions that have become deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. The whirlwind that is Christmas seems to start earlier each year, building to a frenzied crescendo of shopping and feasting. It all happens so fast that many barely have time to reflect on how Christmas is changing, or to ponder over the origins of this festival. [1]
At the heart of Christmas is a message of peace, love, family and generosity. Yet, as the year progresses, these values often fade into the background, eclipsed by the demands of daily life. Christmas has, for many, become a time of indulgence and material excess, its true meaning overshadowed by commercialism. But somewhere, beneath the layers of glitter and consumerism, lies the heart of Christmas: the Christian story of the birth of Jesus, a prophet who came bearing a message of peace and hope. [2]
This year, as the world celebrates Christmas, a different kind of nativity scene demands our attention. It is not a scene of serene beauty, but one that starkly reflects the harsh realities faced by many in our world. It is a scene of ‘Christ in the Rubble’, first highlighted a year ago.
A Sermon Born from Tragedy
In 2023, Reverend Munther Isaac, the pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, delivered a powerful Christmas sermon titled ‘Christ in the Rubble.’ The context was significant: the sermon came in the wake of a devastating war in Gaza, which had already claimed the lives of more than 20,000 Palestinians. Tragically, since his sermon in 2023, the estimated death toll has more than doubled. [3] In 2023, the city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus (as), had cancelled its usual Christmas festivities as a mark of mourning and solidarity. [4]
Reverend Isaac’s sermon was a poignant reflection on the immense suffering endured by the people of Gaza. He spoke of the staggering death toll, the thousands of children killed, and the displacement of nearly two million people. [5] He described Gaza as ‘an annihilation,’ a ‘genocide’ that was unfolding before the eyes of the world. [6]
‘We are angry…we are broken…this should have been a time of joy…instead we are mourning…we are fearful,’ Reverend Isaac declared, his words echoing the pain and despair of his people. He lamented the silence and complicity of the international community, particularly the inaction of world leaders who, he argued, had given a ‘green light’ to the violence [7]
Challenging the Silence and the Status Quo
A particularly powerful aspect of Reverend Isaac’s sermon was his critique of what he termed the ‘Theology of Empire’ – the misuse of religious beliefs and scripture to justify political agendas, particularly those that perpetuate oppression and violence.[8]He argued that this ‘Theology of Empire’ had been used to dehumanise Palestinians, to portray them as ‘less than human’. He challenged those who used religious scripture to justify violence against Palestinians, asking, ‘How is the killing of 9,000 children self-defence? How is the displacement of 1.9 million Palestinians self-defence?’ [9]
His sermon was not simply a lament, however. It was also a call to action, a plea for justice and an end to the bloodshed. He urged his listeners to break their silence and to speak out against the injustice being perpetrated against Palestinians. He reminded them that ‘silence is complicity’ and that empty calls for peace without concrete action were meaningless. [10] He called upon the international community to work for a ceasefire, an end to the occupation, and a just resolution to the conflict. [11]
A Plea for Peace from the Vatican
The theme of peace was also central to Pope Francis’s Christmas message in 2023. [12] Standing on the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the Pope acknowledged that Bethlehem had become, ‘a place of sorrow and silence,’ and spoke directly to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. [13] He expressed his solidarity with the ‘Christian communities of Gaza…and the entire Holy Land,’ and mourned the ‘victims of the abominable attack of the 7th of October,’ a reference to the escalation of violence that had shaken the region. [14]
The Pope issued an ‘urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage’ and called for ‘an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims,’ a sentiment that resonated with Reverend Isaac’s message. [15] He stressed the need for ‘a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation by an opening to the provision of humanitarian Aid’ and urged a move away from the ‘fuelling of violence and hatred,’ calling for a resolution to the Palestinian question through ‘sincere and persevering dialogue between the parties sustained by strong political will and the support of the international community.’ [16]
More recently, in light of the escalations in the Middle East, the Pope has called the airstrikes that have taken innocent lives as ‘unacceptable’, stating, ‘Even in war there is a morality to safeguard,’ and explained, ‘War is immoral. But the rules of war give it some morality.’ [17]
A Call for Absolute Justice: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Perspective
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been a matter of deep concern for His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Over the last two decades, he has highlighted how peace cannot be attained without justice. With the increase in loss of innocent lives in the Middle East since last year, he has consistently condemned the violence and called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasising the critical need for justice as the foundation for lasting peace. [18]
On 9th March 2024, His Holiness (aba) delivered the keynote address at the 18th National Peace Symposium hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. The event was attended by more than 1,200 people, including more than 550 dignitaries and guests who had gathered from 30 countries, comprising ambassadors of state, members of parliament and academics. [18]
As he began his address, His Holiness (aba) mentioned that for over two decades, he has repeatedly urged policymakers to work towards ‘peace and harmony of the world.’
His Holiness (aba) has been vocal about the harms and disadvantages of the use of veto power in the United Nations, arguing that it creates a system where ‘the scales of justice can never be balanced’. [19] He has highlighted how powerful nations often prioritise their own interests over the welfare of those suffering in conflict zones, citing instances where veto power has been used to block resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. [20] Speaking at the National Peace Symposium 2024, he stated:
‘As for what is happening in Gaza, though both the Israelis and the Palestinians have their supporters, the veto power has only been used in Israel’s favour since the current war ignited several months ago. For example, in February, 13 out of 15 members of the UN Security Council voted in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, but the United States utilised its veto power and the Resolution was defeated. How can peace be established where the majority view is so easily discarded? That is not justice – instead, it is a rejection of democracy and the principle of equality.’ [21]
Drawing on the teachings of Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has consistently emphasised the importance of dialogue, justice, and compassion in resolving conflicts. He has reminded world leaders that peace cannot be achieved through military might or political manoeuvring alone but requires a genuine commitment to fairness and the well-being of all parties involved. [22]
In conclusion, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said:
‘We must all come together, setting aside national, political, and other vested interests for the greater good of humanity and to ensure that we leave behind a prosperous world for our future generations. It is the need of the time that we must focus all our energies and efforts on establishing true peace so that we may live in a world of hope and prosperity, rather than a world defined by inequality, hatred and bloodshed.’ [23]
Hope for a Brighter Future
The Christmas season, with its message of peace and goodwill, offers a timely reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in a world rife with conflict. The plight of those suffering in Gaza, and in other conflict zones around the world, calls upon us to act, to move beyond words of sympathy and to work towards a more just and peaceful world.
Reverend Munther Isaac, reflecting on the resilience of the Palestinian people, reminds us that even in the face of immense suffering, ‘we the Palestinians will recover…we will rise…we will stand up again from the midst of Destruction as we have always done.’ [24] His words offer a glimmer of hope, a testament to the enduring human spirit that refuses to be extinguished even in the darkest of times.
Pope Francis, in his Christmas address, echoes this message of hope, assuring those who have lost faith and those burdened by fear that ‘you are not alone.’ [25] He reminds us that the birth of Prophet Jesus (as), the ‘Prince of Peace,’ [26] signifies the triumph of light over darkness and offers a promise of hope and renewal for all humanity.
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), drawing on the teachings of Islam, stresses the critical role of justice in achieving lasting peace. He cautions that the current systems, marred by self-interest and the inequitable use of veto power, are failing to address the root causes of conflict, warning that ‘if the system of international law, weak as it may be, completely collapses, the resulting anarchy and destruction is beyond our comprehension.’ [27] His words serve as a powerful call to action, urging world leaders to prioritise justice, dialogue, and compassion in their efforts to resolve conflicts and build a more peaceful world.
Ultimately, though, as His Holiness (aba) has pointed out time and time again, is that peace, love and harmony cannot be attained without first developing a relationship with God Almighty, as he once stated:
‘The relationship of mutual love, affection and loyalty between one person and another cannot be established until a relationship of love, affection and loyalty with the Lord Who created us is developed. Distress and anxiety exist nowadays in a large part of the world’s population because the world has forgotten its Creator. People have forgotten the fundamental teachings of their faith. In fact, a great number of people even reject the existence of God.’ [29]
This Christmas, let us remember those whose lives have been shattered by war and violence, and let us rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace and justice. Through prayer, compassion, and a commitment to upholding the dignity of all people, we can work to create a world where the message of peace heralded by the birth of Prophet Jesus is not just a distant dream, but a living reality.
About the Author: Arif Khan is a Biblical researcher, Editor of the ‘Tomb of Jesus’ website and appears in Paul Davids’ film – ‘Jesus in India’, first aired on the Sundance Channel. Arif is currently serving as the Deputy Editor of the Christianity Section of The Review of Religions.
ENDNOTES
1. Sarah Ward, “The Meaning of Christmas,” The Review of Religions, October 30, 2018. https://www.reviewofreligions. org/14344/the-meaning-of-christmas/
2. Alex Borthwick, “Christmas Reflections of a Muslim Con- vert,” The Review of Religions, December 17, 2019. https://www. reviewofreligions.org/19372/christmas-reflections-of-a-mus- lim-convert/
3. Assma Maad, “Why the Gaza Health Ministry’s Death Count is Considered Reliable,” October 13, 2024. https:// www.lemonde.fr/en/les-decodeurs/article/2024/10/13/why- the-gaza-health-ministry-s-death-count-is-considered-reli- able_6729264_8.html
4. A Christmas Sermon from Palestine, https://youtu.be/Md_ hw_A-oIs?list=TLGGT9KrOnN4Ol8xNTExMjAyNA
5.Ibid.
6. Ibid. 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. Ibid. 10. Ibid. 11. Ibid.
12. December 25, 2023 Christmas Message and ‘Urbi Et Orbi’ Blessing of Pope Francis, https://youtu.be/Tf- PykX-REZo?list=TLGGW44XBBU9kEUxNTExMjAyNA
13. Ibid. 14. Ibid. 15. Ibid. 16. Ibid.
17. Joshua McElwee, “Pope Francis, asked about Israeli strikes, slams attacks that go ‘beyond morality’,” Reuters, September 29, 2024. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/pope-fran- cis-asked-about-israeli-strikes-slams-attacks-that-go-beyond- morality-2024-09-29/
18. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
World, What is the Blueprint for Peace?” The Review of Religions, March 13, 2024. https://www.reviewofreligions.org/45046/the- critical-state-of-the-world-what-is-the-blueprint-for-peace/
19. Global Muslim Leader Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine, Says Privileged Nations Are Wielding their Veto, ‘Like a Trump Card’, Press Ahmadiyya, March 12, 2024. https:// www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2024/03/global-mus- lim-leader-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-ukraine-says-privi-
leged-nations-are-wielding-their-veto-like-a-trump-card/ 20. Ibid.
21. Ibid.
22. Ibid.
23. Ibid. 24. Ibid.
25. A Christmas Sermon from Palestine, https://youtu.be/ Md_hw_A-oIs?list=TLGGT9KrOnN4Ol8xNTExMjAyNA
26. December 25, 2023 Christmas Message and ‘Urbi Et Orbi’ Blessing of Pope Francis, https://youtu.be/Tf- PykX-REZo?list=TLGGW44XBBU9kEUxNTExMjAyNA
27. Ibid.
28. Global Muslim Leader Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza and Ukraine, Says Privileged Nations Are Wielding their Veto, ‘Like a Trump Card’, Press Ahmadiyya, March 12, 2024. https:// www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2024/03/global-mus- lim-leader-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-ukraine-says-privi-
leged-nations-are-wielding-their-veto-like-a-trump-card/
29. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, 7th Annual Peace Sym- posium, May 16th, 2010. https://www.reviewofreligions. org/2289/7th-annual-peace-symposium/
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