What was it that moved my deepest emotions yesterday!  It was a short film titled “The Shepherd” made by Angel studios that produce The Chosen; the latter is the title of Christian films on the stories of the Gospels. The main character in the film was a poor limping young shepherd. He was rejected by the elite priest of the local synagogue and even deemed as an outcast by the group of shepherds he was with. One night, when this poor shepherd was told to go and eat his meal some distance away from the presence of the other shepherds, God decided to send his band of angels to joyfully proclaim the birth of the Baby King in the manger.  The lonesome poor shepherd viewed the angels, astounded and excited because of the joyous commotion in the sky. He was the first one running to see Baby Jesus. On his way to the manger, he let go of his crutch and was healed of his affliction. In the film I could see his beaming face finding the Holy Child with Mother Mary. 

In spite of my faith in the story of the angels’ news of Jesus, I had thought that this year I would not get a live Christmas tree, because of the tragic and inhuman ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. When will it all end! Did not the angels say in their praise songs “Peace on earth”?   

This all changed when my blind friend called, It was only few days earlier she invited me to her tiny house to show me her decorated Christmas tree.  I did share with her all my grief and sadness. She listened with care. ”Why not get a Christmas tree?” She said, “the Christmas tree is for you and for Jesus.”  Now it is standing by our bay window with its colorful lights and handmade ornaments collected within the past years. 

How I wished my sister would have been here beside me this Christmas. I am not the only one who wished to have the shared joy of a family sibling. Some weeks ago I called my Jewish friend who lives in my neighborhood. I asked her about her sister’s wellbeing in Israel. She said that a missile had nearly fallen on her sister’s living space, but it was intercepted. I told her how I missed my own sister in Lebanon, and how I yearned to be near her, yet I could not go.  

We understood each other’s hearts. Our sisters’ countries are not at peace with each other, but my Jewish friend and I remain friends.