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Church firebombed in Jenin as Christmas celebrations resume

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TEXAS GOSPEL VOLUNTEER

Arsonists damaged the Holy Redeemer Church in Jenin this week, along with attacks on a Christmas tree and the Nativity Grotto in the West Bank city. The Christmas tree was set ablaze by three Palestinians on Monday, drawing sharp condemnation from both local church leaders and Israeli officials.

Father Amer Jubran, pastor of the Holy Redeemer Church, condemned the attack in a Facebook post, describing it as a “deliberate and fabricated act carried out by outlaws.” He emphasized that the violence does not reflect authentic Palestinian or Christian culture, which he said is based on love, tolerance and coexistence. Jubran stressed that the incident does not represent the values of the people of Jenin or undermine communal unity.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry responded the following day, stating that under the Palestinian Authority there is “growing hostility towards Christians.” The ministry condemned the attacks on Christian sites and symbols, especially ahead of Christmas.

The attacks come as Christmas celebrations in Palestinian Authority-controlled areas have been subdued for the past two years due to the war in Gaza. Following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire, the Palestinian Authority allowed fuller Christmas celebrations this year. However, Christian residents of Beit Jala and Nablus are reportedly avoiding public celebrations due to fear of local Muslims.

Christmas in the Shadows: Millions of Christians Celebrate in Secret

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JEFF TURNER

For millions of Canadians, Christmas is a public and joyful time. Streets are filled with lights, churches welcome everyone to services, and families gather freely. Around the world, however, there are Christians who experience Christmas very differently. In many countries, celebrating the birth of Jesus can lead to arrest, prison, or even death. As a result, countless believers are forced to celebrate Christmas in secret, if they can celebrate at all.

Those living in high-persecution areas often keep their Christmas joy hidden. Singing carols, decorating a tree, or attending church can be dangerous. For these believers, faith is something practiced quietly, behind closed doors, where safety comes before celebration.

In some countries, Christmas is completely banned. North Korea is one of the harshest examples. The government sees Christianity as a direct threat to its leadership. All Christmas worship and holiday displays are illegal, and even owning a Bible is considered a serious crime. Since 2016, citizens have been ordered to honour Kim Jong-suk, the dictator’s grandmother, who was born on December 24, instead of celebrating Christmas. Any attempt to recognize the birth of Jesus can result in severe punishment, including forced labour or worse.

In Somalia, public Christmas celebrations have been illegal since 2015. The country’s ministry of religion has instructed police and national security forces to actively stop Christmas events. Christians who attempt to gather openly face danger not only from authorities but also from extremist violence, making Christmas a time of fear rather than joy.

Other countries allow Christmas only under strict legal limits. In Brunei, public Christmas displays have been banned since 2014. The government says the ban is meant to protect Muslims from being influenced away from Islam. Christians are allowed to celebrate privately in homes or churches, but public celebrations are forbidden. Muslims who take part in Christmas activities, such as wearing Santa hats or joining festivities, can face up to five years in prison. It is also illegal for Christians to share their faith with Muslims.

In some places, Christmas is permitted only if the government tightly controls it. In China, celebrations are limited to government-approved churches and groups, and the rules vary by region. People under the age of 18 are legally banned from attending church services, including those held at Christmas. Churches are also pressured to include communist ideology in sermons and worship, reshaping religious messages to match state values.

In Iran, Christmas gatherings are allowed only in registered churches and approved areas. Unregistered house churches, especially those made up of converts from Islam, are often raided. In November 2025, two Christian converts were sentenced to two years in prison after authorities broke up a Christmas planning meeting. Church services are not allowed to be held in Farsi, the country’s main language. Instead, they must use minority languages such as Armenian or Assyrian, a rule designed to limit the spread of Christianity.

In other regions, the main threat comes not from laws but from violence. In northern Nigeria, Christian communities are frequently targeted by ISWAP, an extremist group linked to the Islamic State. Kidnappings and executions are common, especially around major Christian holidays. These attacks create constant fear and make public Christmas worship extremely dangerous.

Despite all of this, many Christians continue to mark Christmas in quiet and personal ways. Some meet secretly in small groups. Others pray alone in their homes. Many remember the meaning of Christmas without decorations, music, or public worship.

For Canadians, these stories are a reminder that freedoms often taken for granted. For millions around the world, Christmas still comes, but it arrives quietly, behind closed doors, and at great personal cost.

Karen Peck Gooch sings at White House prayer service

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AMY TURNER

Karen Peck Gooch shared her experience singing at a special prayer service held at the White House in Washington, D.C. Gooch was invited by Pastor Jentezen Franklin to perform at a Christmas prayer service for White House staff. She performed alongside other gospel artists Geron Davis and Jonathan Ernstly Etienne.

In a social media post, Gooch expressed her gratitude for the experience. “I will forever cherish this day,” she wrote, adding that her “heart is full of gratitude for the opportunity to worship the Lord with these incredibly talented friends.”

She later described it in an interview saying, “”I had the honor of flying to Washington, D .C., with Pastor Jensen Franklin, their worship pastor there at Free Chapel, Jonathan, and songwriter Jaron Davis, and we sang Silent Night, and, oh, come, let us adore him. And we sang, we are standing on Holy Ground, the song that Jaron Davis wrote, and it was such a surreal moment to look out the window and have the view of the White House right next door. I will never forget this day as long as I live. It was a surreal experience for me. It was a day experience. I flew in that morning to D .C.
and back home that afternoon. But it is a day that I will always cherish and I’ll always remember in my heart and mind.””

The Faith Office Christmas Service included prayer, worship music, and communion. Pastor Franklin, who also spoke at the event, described it as a meaningful gathering. A highlight of the service was the performance of “We Are Standing On Holy Ground,” a song written by Geron Davis. Franklin called it “a powerful moment.”

The event was organized by Paula White-Cain, who works in the White House’s Faith Office. Franklin thanked both White-Cain and President Donald Trump for hosting the religious service.

The prayer service represents one of the faith-based events held at the White House, bringing together religious leaders and musicians for worship and prayer.

The Lore Family announces major ministry transition

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AMY TURNER

After two decades of travelling and performing across North America, The Lore Family is entering a season of change. Fayth Lore Whisnant, a founding member of the Portsmouth, Ohio-based southern gospel group, has announced that she and her husband Jake will be stepping away from full-time touring to take on new roles in local church ministry. Jake Whisnant will become Pastor of Student Ministries at Oxford Baptist Church in Conover, North Carolina, beginning in 2026.

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative God Said You’re Gonna Make It · The Lore Family God Said You’re Gonna Make It â„— 2024 Horizon Records Released on: 2024-04-19

The Lore Family’s story began in the tri-state region of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, where they started performing at small venues with backing tracks and CDs. Under the leadership of patriarch Darren Lore, who previously served as senior pastor at churches in Huntington, West Virginia, and Portsmouth, Ohio, the group expanded their reach significantly. Over the years, the family group, consisting of Darren, Sandy, Fayth, Jake, and Samuel, has performed in 21 U.S. states and Canada. They’ve graced notable stages including the National Quartet Convention, Dollywood, and Silver Dollar City, and have appeared on several gospel music television programs.

The Lore Family launched their recording career in 2009 with their debut single “An Absolutely Good Day.” They went on to record three albums at Daywind Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, with their most recent project produced by industry veteran Wayne Haun. The group’s music consistently charted in the top 20 of the Singing News Chart, and they received recognition as a top five Favorite New Mixed Group in the Singing News Fan Awards for two consecutive years. Their songs have aired regularly on EnLighten Radio on Sirius XM satellite radio.

Fayth Whisnant, Courtesy thelorefamilyministries.com

In her announcement letter, Fayth Whisnant described the transition as both humbling and exciting. She noted that Oxford Baptist Church holds special significance for the family, The Lore Family performed there for the first time over 14 years ago and developed a close relationship with the congregation. “What a blessing it is to serve somewhere where we already feel like family!” Whisnant wrote. The couple, who have been married for four years and have two young children, Josiah and Sophia, will continue to use their musical gifts in their new ministry setting.

While this marks the end of an era for The Lore Family’s touring ministry, Whisnant emphasized that the lessons learned and connections made over 20 years will continue to shape her life and work in the years ahead.

The Journey of Ancient Seekers Transforming into Worshippers

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JEFF TURNER

In ancient Persia, a group of scholars spotted an unusual star blazing in the night sky. This celestial sign set them on an extraordinary journey that would transform them from astronomers into worshippers. These learned men understood that the star heralded something big – the birth of a prophesied king. Despite the lengthy and dangerous thousand-mile trek ahead, they gathered precious gifts and set out toward Jerusalem.

These seekers from the East carried gold fit for royalty, sweet-smelling frankincense used in temple worship, and myrrh – an aromatic resin used in burial customs. While these physical gifts were valuable, their greatest offering was their wholehearted devotion. As Luke 2:11 records, they sought “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Unlike the religious scholars in Jerusalem who knew the prophecies but remained unmoved, these travelers acted on what they discovered.

The visitors’ encounter with King Herod revealed two starkly different responses to Jesus. While Herod reacted with fear and hostility toward a potential rival, the Eastern scholars approached with humility and worship. When warned in a dream to avoid returning to Herod, they immediately obeyed, protecting the young Jesus from harm. Their responsiveness to divine guidance demonstrated that wisdom isn’t just about having knowledge – it’s about acting on it.

Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated this same attitude of humble obedience. From his birth in a humble manger to washing his disciples’ feet with a servant’s towel, he consistently showed that true greatness comes through service. Even in death, he was wrapped in burial linens, fulfilling ancient prophecies. But the story didn’t end there – he now reigns wrapped in majesty and glory.

The journey of these ancient seekers shows us the most precious gift we can offer isn’t gold or incense, but our very selves. Like humble gift wrap that draws attention to what’s inside rather than itself, our lives can point others to Christ through attitudes of obedience, worship, and service.