Thousands of Iraqi Christians made their way to church through checkpoints and streets lined with blast walls, many drawing hope from a lull in violence to celebrate Christmas Mass in numbers unthinkable a year ago.
Death is never far in Iraq””two separate suicide bombings north of Baghdad killed at least 35 people and wounded scores more. But the number of attacks has fallen dramatically in the past few months””the U.S. military says by 60 percent since June.
“We did not celebrate last year, but this year we have security and we feel better,” said Rasha Ghaban, one of many women at the small Church of the Holy Family in Karradah, a mainly Shiite district in downtown Baghdad where many Christians live. “We hope our future will be better, God willing.”
May the Lord bring His peace to this troubled land, may He protect those who call upon His name. May He confound the works of Satan to only bring about fear and death but may His Light shine forth in this dark time for these people. Praise Him that so many felt they could flock to worship this Christmas.