During
this season of Advent, Christians in the United States and around the world are
preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. At this time, those of
us fortunate enough to live in countries that honor the birthright of all
people to practice their faith freely give thanks for that blessing.
Michelle and I are also ever-mindful that many of our fellow Christians do not
enjoy that right, and hold especially close to our hearts and minds those who
have been driven from their ancient homelands by unspeakable violence and
persecution.
In some areas of the Middle East where
church bells have rung for centuries on Christmas Day, this year they will be
silent; this silence bears tragic witness to the brutal atrocities committed
against these communities by ISIL.
We join with people around the world in
praying for God’s protection for persecuted Christians and those of other
faiths, as well as for those brave men and women engaged in our military,
diplomatic, and humanitarian efforts to alleviate their suffering and restore
stability, security, and hope to their nations. As the old Christmas carol
reminds us:
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
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