KUWAIT CITY, Dec 25: In an atmosphere of love and peace, the Catholic Church – Holy Family Co-Cathedral in Kuwait celebrated Christmas, bringing together a large number of believers from various sects, cultures, and nationalities. The occasion highlighted the beauty of diversity that distinguishes the church, and its role in promoting unity, especially in Kuwait, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The special Mass was led by Father Suleiman Haifawi, priest of the Latin parish, in collaboration with Father Antonios Habib.

Before the celebration, Father Haifawi welcomed attendees, including official and diplomatic figures, as well as believers, particularly the Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait Rami Tahboub. Ambassador Tahboub expressed his gratitude to Father Haifawi for inviting him to deliver a speech on this holy occasion. He said, “I am honored tonight to stand before you as an ambassador for the State of Palestine, the Holy Land, the land of messages, the birthplace of the prophets, the birthplace of Christ (PBUH), the birthplace of the Christian religion, and the Resurrection of Jesus (PBUH). ‘Palestine is the beginning and the end, the land of peace, love, and brotherhood, Palestine of Islamic-Christian coexistence that has endured for more than 1,500 years, Palestine of societal diversity, and a model for the entire world. “I stand before you today with a heavy heart, as sadness and pain prevail over us all. We close another year marked by the scourge of war in the stricken Gaza Strip and throughout the occupied State of Palestine and the Holy Land. “I come to you today bearing two messages. The first is from the Christian and Muslim children of Gaza, who have long been accustomed to celebrating Christmas together and lighting the Christmas tree in this blessed month. Today, they want to tell you that, for the second consecutive year, they miss the lighting of the Christmas tree, the gifts of Santa Claus, and the tradition of going with their parents to church. There is no longer a tree, no Santa Claus, no gifts, no churches, and no childhood.

“The second message is what I bring to you from the birthplace of Christ and the cradle of Christianity, the city of Bethlehem, and the Church of the Nativity and the Grotto of the Nativity. This church, the oldest in the world, still has its doors open to worshippers. However, for the second year in a row, the city of Bethlehem is devoid of any festive celebrations for the occasion that hundreds of millions around the world celebrate, while Bethlehem is shrouded in sadness and tears. “However, hope is still strong, and love remains great. This was the theme of a message sent by the people of Bethlehem and its institutions, from our Christian brothers, to His Holiness Pope Francis. The message included a cave of the baby Jesus wrapped in the Palestinian keffiyeh, made from Palestinian olive wood and Palestinian mother-of-pearl as a gesture of appreciation, love, and reverence for His Holiness and his steadfast positions toward Palestine and its people. The gift was displayed in the Paul VI Hall to remind the world that Jesus Christ (PBUH) is the messenger of peace, love, and tolerance and that Palestine is the Holy Land, the land of coexistence and diversity.”

During the Mass, the attendees sang Christmas carols that brought joy and hope to the hearts of the faithful and emphasized the noble values of Christmas, which call for love and tolerance. They highlighted that the occasion reflects the true spirit of Christmas, which is unity, tolerance, and love. The celebrants expressed their gratitude to Kuwait for providing an atmosphere of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence, which highlights the country’s role as a beacon of diversity. They raised prayers for Christmas and the New Year, asking Athe lmighty Lord to protect and bless the State of Kuwait, so it may always remain an oasis of security and peace under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. The Catholic Church also announced the opening of its diwaniya to receive well-wishers on the occasion of Christmas and the New Year today, Thursday, December 26, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and welcomed everyone to join in the celebration.