NCR:
Despite the harsh conditions in Syria, the Christmas Nativity of St. Elijah Maronite Cathedral in Aleppo remains a source of hope and renewal for steadfast Christians.
The Nativity scene is an important part of Catholic Christmas preparations, as it is in the homes and churches of Syria. Most Christians oversee with care the placement of the Holy Family with the shepherds and Magi under the Christmas tree to remind them of the true meaning of the coming of the Savior, Emmanuel.
This church crèche scene consists of members of the Holy Family, the Three Kings, who visited the Newborn in the grotto, along with the manger, placed at the front of the church. The Child Jesus is placed in the shrine after the biblical recitation by Maronite Archbishop Youssef Tobji of Aleppo. more