[December 25, 2014] In a lonely field near the Baghdad International Airport in December of 2010, I found myself handing out gifts to young Iraqi children. The area was under heavy guard by a variety of Iraqi and U.S. troops but the children were excited beyond comprehension. They knew of a gentleman called “Saint Nick” and his bag of gifts; smiles were everywhere. Yes, Christmas in Iraq does happen, even with non-Christians.
Christmas in Iraq still goes on despite the systematic subjugation of Christians under the terrorist organization ISIS. The war on Christians throughout that part of the world is neither something new or something we read about, nor do we know anyone who has been affected. The topic is largely avoided by Western media outlets. Perhaps those of us in the West who protest our rights at the slightest insult will have the courage to help Christians in Iraq and the region. This I doubt … sadly.
Today, the few remaining Christians in Iraq will be celebrating the birth of Christ in a very historical land. Their celebrations will be in makeshift refugee camps and in dislocation centers throughout the country.1 But, as I have personally seen, their spirits will be high today. For those who rejoice in the good of Christianity, we all join, regardless of religious preference, in brotherhood and sisterhood with all the Iraqi Christians.
Merry Christmas!
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[1] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/19/christians-iraq-christmas_n_6335390.html