”We remain here as living stones”

Marlen Maria is a teacher in Bethlehem. She wanted to share some of her thoughts on the situation in the Holy Land for our issue on this topic in December 2025, but not to display her name or face. This is what she wrote:

The situation here remains as it has always been, yet it has become more severe and dangerous since the war on Gaza and later on Iran. As Palestinian Christians, we live much like the disciples did after the death of Jesus—filled with fear and uncertainty. But just as the disciples’ sorrow turned to joy when they learned that Christ had risen, we too find renewed hope and strength knowing that Jesus is alive in us and around us.

At times, we feel afraid and abandoned, but when Christmas comes, our hearts are lifted once more. We refuse to give up or leave our homeland, even though many already have, because we are called to preserve our Christian identity and bear witness to the glory of our Lord. We remain here as living stones, testifying to God’s presence in the land of His birth.