ICEJ Christmas Concert in Jerusalem
Many churches in the Land of Israel decided not to hold Christmas celebrations in public in December due to the war in Gaza, but the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem felt the holiday season carries a message of hope and joy that was so needed amid the current troubles. Thus, the ICEJ hosted a special Christmas caroling service at the stately St. Vincent Church in the Mamilla Mall section of Jerusalem, just outside Jaffa Gate. The musical program was arranged by Vesna Buehler and featured a choir, a harpist, a youth strings ensemble, and the popular Arab Christian vocalist Nazir Francis from Nazareth. Several local pastors gave season’s greetings and offered prayers for Israel, the hostages, IDF troops, and the Christians and civilians of Gaza. The holiday concert was well-attended and also was live-streamed to viewers around the world.