Christmas Message from Jean Zaru
Of Ramallah Friends Meeting
Dear Friends
What shall I share with you as we stand between 2006 and 2007? How do I
interpret the message of hope in the midst of all this suffering in the
Middle East and else where? My heart is heavy; the blood of the
victims is still warm. The cry of anguish of our children fills our
days and nights.They are crying out because they are hungry, thirsty,
sick, wounded and frightened. They are crying with their community for
their rights and dignity. The good life of some is built on the pain of
many.The pleasure of a few is obtained on the agony of millions. Some
worship death in their quest to possess more things.Some worship death
in fighting for their own security, or their own peace.
God, we thirst for you in a thirsty land. I feel depressed. What shall I do?
In the solitude of my home, reflecting on the message of Jesus birth as I
was trying to put out some Christmas decorations, I am reminded that Jesus
message is an injection of hope into a despairing community.
Frequently Jesus accompanied his acts with the positive cry,"Cheer up, have
courage", or "Fear not,
don't be scared".
The sermon with which Jesus opened his public ministry is an exposition of
the purpose of his coming.
It was addressed to the poor,the prisoners,the blind, the broken victims.
[Luke 4:18]
This is a programme of hope at it's heart.So Jesus teaching was always
forward looking, for hope is not concerned with what is past,but what is
about to be, not what we were, but with what we may become.
Friends, your gift of of friendship is one of the greatest gifts I have
recieved.You have been with me in joy and in sorrow,in sickness and in
health,whether at home or abroad. You are living up and acting Jesus
programme of hope by your accompaniment, ministry, inspiration, support and
compassion. In this strugle ,and in this ministry ,we need one another. We
need community, we need beauty and love and compassion.
May this Christmas season, and the New year be a time of renewal of our
comittment and hope for it is so difficult to be reconciled to hopelessness.
With all my love and warm best wishes and gratiude my dear friends,
In Friendship and hope,
Jean.
|
