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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As many of you know, the Washington National Cathedral and Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem offer a Bethlehem Prayer Service simulcast every year. This year's was on 20 December. Here's a link if you missed it or want to watch again:
 | | Bethlehem Prayer Service |
We offer two pieces on which to reflect during this season:
- Mehdi Hasan points out 'If Mary and Joseph tried to reach Bethlehem today, they would get stuck at an Israeli checkpoint.' He reflects on the plight of Christians in the Middle East.
- Anton Murra asks what Palestinians want for Christmas. One of the answers: 'Justice!'
Finally EPF Executive Director Allison Sandlin Liles pointed out that Holy Innocents Day falls on Sunday 28 December when many of us may be participating in a Christmas Lessons & Carols Service. So let us not forget that day in the midst of our world:
We remember today, O God, the slaughter of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod and all innocent children who are slain today at the hands of violence and vitriol. You, O God, know first hand the lasting sorrow and the weeping of Rachel and all parents of murdered children because your own son began his earthly life under the threat of murder as a refugee; hear their cries, embrace their pain, and bring peace to all victims of tragic violence. We pray for your rule of justice, love and peace; in the name and the memory of your Son who knew the cruelty of the world and overcame it. Amen.
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PO Box 15, Claysburg, PA 16625 312-922-8628 epf@epfnational.org epfnational.org | 