pray for the "suffering church" in Jesus’ birthplace and demand that Israel ends "cruel acts" against the local population.
His Christmas appeal Wednesday, December 11, came as the Israeli army continued its curfew in and around Bethlehem. "Please remember Our Little Town in your prayers. Bethlehem now is very sad," said Awad in a statement obtained by BosNewsLife.
The Israeli authorities say the curfew and other military operations in the area of Bethlehem are needed as part of a crack down against Palestinian militants and suicide bombers.
But Awad stressed that currently all people of Bethlehem are "struggling under a very strict curfew" since November 22. "It may be hard to imagine being under curfew, it is very cruel, because no one is allowed to leave his or her home for any reason," he explained.
ISRAELI ARMY
President Awad asked Christians to also write to their "nearest Israeli representative" and own government officials to end what he called "cruel acts" done against the people of Bethlehem "by the Israeli army."
Awad stressed that "all shops and schools are closed, as well as pharmacies and work places," and suggested that Palestinian and other Christians living in the area are preparing for a sad Christmas.
"There is no possibility for Christmas shopping, there are no decorations, and one cannot go to church. Being a "closed military area" we are even denied the usual flood of Christian pilgrims," he explained. In earlier communications with ANS, teachers also described gun battles as well as fear among students.
WORRIES
Awad said Rev. Simon Oberst, the rector of Bath Abbey in the United Kingdom, had expressed his worries about the situations of the Christian community. "I cannot sing this carol without thinking of the plight of my brothers and sisters in Bethlehem at this present time," Rev. Oberst was quoted as writing to the College in a recent letter.
Bible College President Awad said Christians should "think of the suffering Church in Bethlehem" and pray "that the curfew will be lifted and the siege on Bethlehem will end," before singing Christmas carols.
"I pray that you will sing this beautiful song and that its meaning will bless your Christmas. It is the Christmas season and many of you will be singing this beautiful and timeless carol: "O Little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie," he said.
Hundreds of Christian families have reportedly already fled the area in recent months.
