Amid a fragile ceasefire, moments of joy and rest

This year, people in Lebanon are celebrating Christmas differently. With weary hearts after a period of intense aggression, we are reminded of the one true hope and the peace that brings comfort to our souls. 

After nearly 13 months of fighting between Hezbollah and Israel, a 60-day ceasefire went into effect on November 27. Life has begun to return to normal in the capital city of Beirut and Lebanon’s eastern Beqaa Valley. However, in southern Lebanon, limited clashes continue as both sides accuse the other of violating terms of the ceasefire. Israel continues to launch airstrikes, occupy territory, and instruct residents of 62 villages not to return to their homes. In Beirut and surrounding districts, surveillance drones continue to fly overhead. 

Bringing Christmas Cheer to Children 

This war has taken a toll on everyone, especially children. In response, Salt and Light, Thimar’s church discipleship ministry, has resumed its Christmas events for children. Churches and faith-based centers supported by Thimar that only weeks ago were responding to war are now hosting such events. In a non-Christian village southeast of Beirut, a relief center hosted one children’s event after previously being transformed into a kitchen to support displaced families during the war. 

In total, these events are reaching more than 4,600 children across Lebanon, many of whom are unable to return home because of destruction or ongoing strikes. Desperate to experience some sense of normalcy, they find joy in the Christmas events. Happy and excited, the children attend the Christmas events, singing Christmas hymns, playing and preparing crafts, listening to the story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, which brought salvation to mankind, and receiving gifts from Thimar. 

“We’ve been organizing these Christmas events for 11 years, but since 2019, we’ve faced many challenges. Each year, we think that this is the greatest challenge, and then we’re met with even more difficulties,” said Rosette Mansour, Thimar’s Senior Partner Relations Officer, who leads this project. 

In the past five years, Lebanon has grappled with a major economic crisis, political turmoil, gasoline and electricity shortages, a massive explosion that destroyed much of the capital city, and now a fragile ceasefire following a destructive war.

“I miss celebrating Christmas without the obstacles. But at the same time, I feel that through these struggles, we are digging deeper into the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that the lessons we’ve learned over the years will allow us to continue celebrating Christmas in this way, always looking to Jesus as our source of hope. He is the reason for the season,” Rosette continued.

A time to rest and be refreshed

In addition to Christmas events for children, Thimar continues to support churches through other projects like capacity building programs. The uncertainty engulfing the Middle East has driven many people, including church members, to emigrate, creating gaps in ministry. To address this concern, Thimar partnered with four local churches in the Beqaa this year to train and equip young men and women with a deeper understanding of their spiritual gifts and roles in God’s mission in Lebanon and beyond.

For Rahbe Evangelical Baptist Church in northern Lebanon, Thimar organized a retreat that offered the church members much-needed rest, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment. It also provided them with an opportunity to explore ways they can be supported and empowered to fulfil what they believe God is calling them to do.

The partner church has tirelessly responded to the needs of its community, serving Syrian refugees for over a decade and, more recently, internally displaced Lebanese.

“We felt a sense of unity and shared vision. The teaching we received was rich, deep, and beneficial. It empowered us to persevere and align it with our church vision, which is based on the Bible,” shared Brother Bahaa, who is leading the church.  Members from different churches in northern Lebanon came to visit and spend time at the retreat. “We were encouraged by other churches and were able to share our testimony as a church of overcoming divisions and experiencing a transformation of heart that brought love and unity to our church.”

During the day, churches prayed for one another, especially for those facing challenges in ministry, encouraging them to grow closer to each other and to God.

“We saw that God’s work is evident in all the churches in the North. Through this retreat, we strengthened our relationships with one another, united as one heart to glorify God together and invest in one Kingdom – the Kingdom of God,” Brother Bahaa continued.