Church in Bethlehem to use representative rubble instead of bright lights in Christmas crib
Bethlehem: Even as Christians count the day down to the festival marking the occasion of Jesus Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in the heart of the city has taken everyone by surprise with its bold statement that it opposes the traditional bright lights, festive tree or glittering ornaments used as a part of the celebrations.
In contrast, the Church has opted for a decoration made from debris, a visual representation of the destruction faced by Gaza in the current Israel-Palestine clash this year, reports BNN, pointing out that Bethlehem is a focal point for Christian pilgrims as it is believed to be the birthplace of Christ.
The Church is displaying a heap of concrete debris, at the heart of which is a toy baby. The Christmas display is found to be a poignant representation of an infant caught beneath the rubble, as the scene turns all the more grim, surrounded by broken branches of trees, various icons and candles. The ambiance of the entire scene proves to be a complete contrast to the joyous feel and festive cheer in the usual Christmas cribs.
Spiritual leader of the Church Pastor Munzir Ishak has said that the decision to display wreckage in place of the traditional Christmas décor would, hopefully, prove to be a potent message the world over to maintain solidarity with the suffering people of Gaza. God is present in the pain of the people, regardless of acts of violence and destruction, the Pastor emphasized.
He also said that the situation in Palestine, which he called was a 'genocide war' of targeting all of Palestinians, including the civilians, has already extinguished the festive spirit of Christmas. It is not the joyous celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ but a mournful reflection on the human cost of conflict, Ishak added.
The message of the Church proves to be both an act of introspection, reminding the congregation of how God takes human companionship in suffering, and an outward message, pointing out to the Christian community across the world about the grim reality of Christmas in Palestine.
The Church of Nativity in the city is open to visitors from all over the world, especially during Christmas. As a representation of optimism and the enduring spirit of the Palestinians in spite of the challenges, an olive sapling has been placed among the debris. The message of hope and peace put forth by Christmas remains unshaken, regardless of the ongoing conflict across borders.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Essar Group co-founder Shashi Ruia dies at 80
New Delhi (PTI): Essar Group co-founder Shashi Ruia has died after a prolonged illness. He was 80.
Ruia, who co-founded metals-to-technology conglomerate Essar with his brother Ravi, died in Mumbai around 23.55 hrs on November 25, family sources said.
He had returned from the US, where he was undergoing treatment, about a month back.
His mortal remains will be kept at Ruia House from 1 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday. The funeral procession will leave from Ruia House at 4 pm towards the Hindu Worli Crematorium.
Shashi, a first-generation entrepreneur industrialist, started his career in 1965 under the guidance of his father Nand Kishore Ruia.
He, along with his brother Ravi, laid the foundation of Essar in 1969 by constructing an outer breakwater at Chennai Port. The group expanded into various sectors, including steel, oil refining, exploration and production, telecom, power, and construction.
He is survived by his wife Manju and two sons Prashant and Anshuman.
