Christmas worship simulcast from Bethlehem and Philadelphia/Washington, DC

Written by the Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Pastor,
Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church
Bethlehem, Palestine

Greetings from Bethlehem. It is this time of the year again, when the whole world focuses its attention on Bethlehem again, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! It is our pleasure to announce our 15th annual simulcast service for this year. If you are in Bethlehem, Philadelphia, or anywhere in the world, join us for our annual simulcast Christmas Service between Palestine and the USA, from the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem and the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. 

Join us online and in person for Christmas Lessons and Carols on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 10 a.m. EST and 5 p.m. Bethlehem time. Hear familiar carols and readings in Arabic and English, and a word of hope preached this year by Bishop Sani Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral invites you to join in person for this free event (register through the event page). You can also participate virtually by watching it live on YouTube. 

Online donations are encouraged and support the rich ministry of Episcopalians and Lutherans in Palestine. 

Hold the Palestinian Christian community in your prayers this Advent. They continue to bear witness to the love of Christ through their congregations and vital service institutions. In so doing, they keep burning the light that was lit by Jesus through his birth, life, death, and resurrection, and through the litany of the saints who have ministered in that land ever since.