In this season of Thanksgiving, we would like to express our profound gratitude to God and to each one of our friends and supporters for your prayers and messages of encouragement to the staff and leadership of the Nazareth Trust during the very challenging period since the outbreak of the war in Gaza over a year ago.

 Your prayers, together with those of many others from our region and around the world, have culminated in the agreement between the Governments of the State of Israel and the Republic of Lebanon, brokered by the USA and France, to seek a sustainable end to the current escalation of hostilities across the Blue Line and for each party to take steps to promote conditions for a permanent and comprehensive solution.

 We praise God that this agreement came into effect early last Wednesday morning, shortly after we had concluded a special inter-denominational Advent prayer service in the Hospital Auditorium, which included prayers for a just and sustainable peace in the north and south of the country.

 We give thanks to God that, thus far, this fragile peace is holding, and the constant sound of siren alerts over Nazareth and the north of the country has grown silent, allowing for a peaceful night’s sleep for residents in the Upper Galilee for the first time in over a year.

 Please continue to pray for this peace to be enduring, to allow the people from the north of Israel and the south of Lebanon to be able to return to their homes and communities in safety and security, and begin rebuilding their shattered lives and livelihoods. Also, please pray that a sustainable peace will soon also be extended to the tormented people of Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the rest of Israel, and for the love and light of God to dispel the darkness of hatred, revenge, and fear in our region as we once more meditate on the coming of the Prince of Peace as the humble babe of Bethlehem at this Advent and Christmas season.

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.’

Isaiah 9: 6-7

 With thanksgiving in our hearts for each one of you, and our prayers for God to fill your hearts and minds with the love, joy, and peace of Christ over this Advent and Christmas season!

Frank Kantor

Spiritual Director