Iraqi Christians Gather

From the Los Angeles Times:

BAGHDAD -- Outside Mar Eliya church, not much had changed since last Christmas: Concrete blocks still surround the building and guards check the IDs of those entering.

But inside, hundreds of Iraqi worshipers -- Christians and Muslims -- were crammed into the overflowing Chaldean Catholic church Tuesday, celebrating the holiday and the fact that they felt safe enough to venture out of their homes to attend Christmas Mass.

"Last year was the year of misery, desperation and sadness," said Samar Jorge Gorges, 33. "But this year is better. So many people attend the Mass and you can see that their praying was joyful."

The plight of the Iraqi Christians lies heavy on my heart. The tiny minority of the ancient community of Iraqi Chaldean Christians has grown smaller in the course of the Iraq War, due to killings, kidnappings, and exile. That the violence has diminished enough that this group of Christians were able to celebrate Christmas at their church this year is joyful news, indeed.

Among those attending were several Shiite Muslim sheiks, including Raad Tamimi, who said they had come "in solidarity with our Christian brothers . . . to plant the seed of love again in the new Iraq." Tamimi, a tribal leader, was excited to shake the cardinal's hand and asked that a photo be taken with his cellphone.

That Muslims joined them in their worship is cause for great rejoicing. The love of God is alive in hearts in Iraq. May the hope of peace on earth and good will toward men become ever more a reality, especially in the poor, ruined country of Iraq.

Thanks to MadPriest for the link to the article.