A Christmas Message in the time of anticipation of change in Syria from the President of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon Rev. Joseph Kassab

You can find below the Christmas message 2024 of the President of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon Rev. Joseph Kassab, and Executive committee member of the Middle East Council of Churches “in the time of anticipation of change in Syria”.

To the Evangelical Community in Syria

On this joyous occasion of Christmas, we cannot but share our exhilaration with all Syrians as they look forward to the birth of a new Syria—a dream we have long cherished and continue to strive for.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” This Christmas greeting and its message of hope extend to all humanity. The Gospel of Christ offers a vision of peace that is far more profound than the mere cessation of wars and conflicts. It embodies comprehensive peace that nurtures human life, the well-being of communities, and the flourishing of societies. It is the Lord’s promise that, through Jesus Christ, born in a humble manger, we are granted new beginnings of salvation, graced by God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Today, Syria turns a page on an era where we have borne our share of its failures in achieving national unity, citizenship, and the freedoms that Syrians of all backgrounds have long aspired to. However, we now look to the future with eyes filled with anticipation and active hope. The blood shed for the sake of the homeland and freedom cannot allow us to regress.

The new national anthem of Syria rekindles memories of pride, the foundations of national unity, and victories in the pursuit of freedom and independence, free from hateful sectarianism. How can we forget Syrian Protestant figures like Faris al-Khoury and his parliamentary and national struggles alongside his fellow Muslims to achieve independence from France? How can we forget the Protestant Rafik Salloum, who was executed by hanging in Damascus alongside Muslim patriots on May 6, 1916, by Jamal Pasha for their resistance against the Ottomans?
“This is our homeland, the resting place of noble ancestors, its skies the source of divine inspiration and faithful revelation… every inch of its soil is worth the lifeblood that sustains us.”

The change of power by Syrian hands came as a pleasant surprise to Syrians on many levels. At the very least, it marked the rapid collapse of the previous regime with a limited number of civilian casualties. However, the most impactful aspect was the decision by the military leadership to tie their victory to the conduct of its factions as they entered cities; their treatment of citizens, their discipline, their protection of public and private property, and their assurances to the people, avoiding any form of revenge. We pray that these beginnings lay the foundation for a new Syria—a state governed by the rule of law that guarantees dignity, freedoms, and equality for all Syrians. The people of Syria are weary of war, killing, and bloodshed. It is time for all of us to dream of a better future where the aspirations of Syrians for change can be fully realized.

We pray that the Lord strengthens the interim government as it assumes the weighty responsibilities of this transitional phase and grants it wisdom to consolidate the achievements made through openness, dialogue, and engagement with Syria’s diverse spectrum. A new chapter in Syria’s history is being written today, drawing lessons from the past and preparing to embark on a future with a modern Syria that is welcomed by its people inside, and the international community outside. This future must align with the implementation of UN Resolution 2254, agreed upon by Syrians and the international community as a roadmap toward a new Syria.

To the members of our churches, you are the sons and daughters of the Protestant Reformation, you cannot but stand with change for a better life—a change that requires patience, dialogue, and prayer to fulfill the Syrian people’s dream. Historically, you have demonstrated the courage to reform the administrative structure of the Church, affirming your belonging to its national geography, free from any external hierarchical dominance. The Reformation was a change within the Church, emphasizing freedom of conscience and its expression through faith, spirituality, and living in the image of Christ and His peace. We urge you to remain committed to your belonging to the Syria of the future, not based on religion or sect. You are no longer subjects of a ruler, but citizens of a state.

On this Christmas, we echo: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” We ask God to raise among us peacemakers who embody the compassion, courage, and love of Christ in a Syria deeply wounded by the past. We believe in a God who turns our mourning into dancing, our ashes into beauty. He is the God of justice and mercy, the One who promised a day when swords shall be turned into plowshares, and nations shall not lift swords against one another.

Until that day, may the Lord strengthen your faith, encourage your prayers, and enable you to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world crying out for peace.
To Him be glory, power, and dominion through Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas, and may Syria and you all be blessed.

Rev. Joseph Kassab

President of the Evangelical Community in Syria and Lebanon

If you wish to download the letter, click here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ir7o72rGTA2_weFpy1cicVeJ1JTNT3jd/view