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.
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Bengaluru: First-time Congress MLAs with merit can be made ministers, says Moily
Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister Marpadi Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said that first-time Congress legislators could be considered for ministerial berths during the proposed Cabinet reshuffle if they have the requisite merit.
Moily responded to reports of over 30 first-time Congress MLAs seeking Cabinet positions by stressing the need for a Cabinet with a balance of merit among first-time, young, and senior leaders.
“We entered politics when the Chief Minister Devaraj Urs recognised us in 1972. If legislators have merit and dedication, they can be included in the Cabinet,” Deccan Herald quoted him as saying.
He said that there is nothing wrong with new MLAs aspiring for ministerial posts and that no one has the moral authority to question such aspirations. He recalled that he, too, was a newcomer in his early political days and said those with eligibility should be given ministerial posts.
“If the MLAs have merit, the Chief Minister will recognise them. In our time, we did not lobby for ministerial berths. We were recognised by the Chief Minister,” he said.
Addressing demands for a change in Chief Minister and current talk of a Cabinet reshuffle, Moily said that legislators voicing aspirations should not be seen as engaging in groupism.
He also said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to visit Karkala in Udupi district on Wednesday.
