St. Nicolas

Beggars and hawkers

Another busy day for me. Started early as I had to go to Bethlehem's Caritas Hospital to deliver some things to the sisters and wish them an early Happy Christmas. Then it was a quick rush out of Palestine back to Israel to buy some things and deliver them to the Chinese Sisters convent. Then it was to my office where lots of work has to be done, transfers and acquisitions and closing last month's financial accounts. It's quite a lot of work.

The violence at Damascus Gate over ... and we await the next one. It always happens toward Christmas. The muslims created trouble so Israel will close the borders and Christians cannot go to Bethlehem to celebrate. Like clockwork this happens every year. It's disgusting. Anyway in between the violence, people continue their daily lives. Beggars and hawkers regather at Damascus Gate. Life goes on.

Apparently Israel struck Syrian military targets yesterday. It might appear to be an escalation in tension but then again, tensions never eased. We'll just see if there's any retaliation. These strikes are just warnings to Iran, which is the  main problem. Until the nuclear talks are resolved, there'll be no easing of tensions in our region.

It's almost midweek and we're in December. 2021 is almost over. Christmas is in 3 weeks time. We just hope for the best that 2022 will see and end to the pandemic, and everything going back as much as possible to normality. Today is Santa Claus feast day ... St. Nicholas of Myra, the ancient bishop who defended the divine nature of Christ at the Council of Nicea; but was more famous for his works of charity. Maybe he'll bring us a gift of peace.