Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Los Angeles Times

    In Bethlehem, the home of Jesus’ birth, a season of grieving for Palestinian Christians

    by Laura King, Los Angeles Times Dec 20, 2023 5 minutes
    The Rev. Munther Isaac leads singing and prayers for the victims in Gaza.

    BETHLEHEM, West Bank — It isn’t subtle. Nor is it intended to be.

    Instead of a pastoral-looking Nativity scene, the creche features baby Jesus wrapped in a checkered Palestinian kaffiyeh, surrounded by jagged chunks of stone — evoking bombed-out buildings in the Gaza Strip and children buried beneath them.

    “I see God in the rubble,” said Munther Isaac, the Palestinian pastor of a landmark Lutheran church in Bethlehem, the West Bank town revered by Christians as Jesus’ birthplace. “And Christ was born under occupation.”

    Together with parishioners, he created the wartime tableau, which will remain in place at the church through the Christmas season. The image is a jarring one, Isaac acknowledges — but cannot come close to summing up the daily horrors taking only 45 miles distant, in Gaza.

    You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

    More from Los Angeles Times

    Los Angeles Times4 min read
    Will Smith Hits Three Home Runs As Offense Carries Dodgers Past Brewers
    LOS ANGELES — Will Smith had one shot at history Friday night, and the Milwaukee Brewers were willing participants, choosing to pitch to the Los Angeles Dodgers catcher with runners on second and third and two outs in the eighth inning, even after Sm
    Los Angeles Times2 min readCrime & Violence
    Two Dead, Three Injured In Huntington Beach Stabbing. One Person Is In Custody
    LOS ANGELES — A person is in custody after several people were stabbed Thursday night in Huntington Beach, leaving two dead and three others injured, according to authorities. Police received reports of an assault with a deadly weapon near the inters
    Los Angeles Times5 min read
    Steve Lopez: Hey, Joe, It's OK To Call It Quits And Leave With Dignity And Pride
    If I were a relative or close confidant of President Joe Biden, I'm pretty sure I'd give him a hug, thank him for his service, and tell him to seriously consider walking away. I'd tell him that after a life of service, he can pass the torch with prid

    Related Books & Audiobooks