How To Celebrate Christmas
Yuletide greetings from Yuri and pictures from the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem
Comrades: Merry Christmas!
This Christmas, let us pray for peace. May the Lord grant us the courage to cease all the bloodshed and suffering around the world. In times of darkness, let the light within us shine brighter than ever. A new dawn is breaking. Let humanity rediscover the true spirit of Christmas.
A decade ago, I visited the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was born. It was commissioned by Constantine the Great in 325 AD. The grotto is the oldest site continuously used as a Christian place of worship. Bethlehem was a tense place in the mid-2010s and finds itself in an even more precarious position today. Pray for the protection of the brave Christians in the Middle East and this holy site.
14-point silver star under the main altar, marking the spot of Jesus' birth:
The last few months of 2024 were difficult, yet miraculous. Our godson is halfway through his chemotherapy course. He has retained a positive attitude, regrown his hair, and became a LEGO wizard. My father in law underwent a painful surgery. They are both on the mend after bravely battling their afflictions and we look forward to spending Christmas Day together with them. Thank you all for your powerful prayers. I pray for Christians who are more angry at this Substack than what it illuminates.
Hallelujah to the restoration of the Notre Dame!
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
Christmas greeting from Baby Yulia:
Merriest of Christmases and a wonderful New Year. May you and your family have health, happiness and prosperity throughout 2025.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy, happy New Year.