Welcome back friends!  As many of us around the world celebrated Christmas, I pray you experienced the fullness of hope in a Savior born to die so that we might live.

However, while most of us celebrated in relative peace, violence continued in Israel.  On Christmas Eve, Palestinian snipers took aim at IDF soldiers along the Gaza border while they were standing guard for maintenance work on a security fence.  One soldier was seriously wounded.  Israel responded with tank fire and an air strike, taking out Hamas positions in Gaza and reportedly killing one Hamas official.

Hamas warned that “Israel is playing with fire and bears full responsibility for the repercussions.  It is the Palestinian people’s right to defend itself.”  Meanwhile, Israeli officials continue to stand firm that the IDF will protect its forces, its land, its people, and the border area.

Violence continued on Christmas Day when an 11-year-old Israeli girl suffered third degree burns after a Palestinian tossed a Molotov cocktail into a vehicle driven by her father in the West Bank.    Her father was also slightly injured, and both were taken to a hospital for treatment.  At least 12 Palestinians were taken into custody for questioning by the Shin Bet (Israeli intelligence agency).

Earlier today, still more violence erupted when two Israeli border guards were stabbed in the Old City of Jerusalem following Muslim prayer time.  According to reports, a 19-year-old border police was stabbed in the neck by an Arab man, while the second officer (a 35-year-old) was stabbed in the hand while attempting to rescue the 19-year-old officer.

Jerusalem’s Police Chief stated, “This is a serious event, an attack on police officers.  The Jerusalem Police will work to apprehend the terrorist.”  Lion Gate, a main entryway into the Old City, has been closed, road blocks set up, and checkpoints established to search for the assailants.

Indeed, we should celebrate the birth of our Savior and rejoice at His gift of salvation.  But as we do, let’s be diligent to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  In the physical realm, our world is far from peaceful.  However, true peace abides in the spiritual places of our hearts because we have a Savior, Lord and King, born for us in the midst of where we see such violence today.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
~Isaiah 9:6

“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
~Luke 2:10-11