The Mass of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the Church of the Martyrs

The Archbishop of the Archdiocese, Mar Bashar Matti Warda, celebrated the Mass of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the Church of the Martyrs, accompanied by Fr. Anis Yacoub, parish priest, with the participation of a large gathering of the faithful.

The celebration began at 8:00 p.m. with the lighting of the Christmas flame, in a spiritual atmosphere filled with joy and hope. This was followed by the entrance procession of the choir and the deacons into the church, after which a festive Mass commenced, distinguished by Christmas hymns and a solemn liturgy that expressed the Church’s joy in the mystery of the Incarnation. His Excellency offered the Divine Sacrifice for all the faithful of the Archdiocese, especially for the repose of the departed faithful.

In his opening address, His Excellency welcomed the faithful and expressed his sincere gratitude to all who conveyed Christmas greetings, particularly our Muslim brothers and sisters who share with us our joys and sorrows, just as we are keen to share in their occasions as well. He also referred to the incident involving the desecration of Christian cemeteries in Armota and Shaqlawa, describing it as a painful act that wounded the collective memory and stirred concern, without undermining the dignity or hope of the people of this land. He affirmed that safeguarding peaceful coexistence is a shared responsibility—neither of one party nor of the government alone, but of every individual through their words and actions—emphasizing the hope that Iraq may be a single home that embraces everyone. He called for choosing wisdom, gentle speech, and the spirit of peace that Christmas brings.

In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on the Gospel phrase, “There was no room for them,” explaining that it does not express a direct rejection as much as it reveals a familiar human reality, in which life becomes so full of preoccupations and concerns that there is no space left for God. He noted that God is often not excluded through hostility, but through daily noise and the multitude of responsibilities.

He pointed out that, in the mystery of Christmas, God does not force His way into human life, but comes quietly as a child who waits to be welcomed, asking not for an ideal place, but for an open heart, even if it is small and weary. He invited the faithful to reconsider the details of their daily lives, affirming that making room for God begins with simple steps: a moment of silence, a short prayer, attentive listening, or an act of forgiveness.

He also stressed that salvation is not achieved through control or confusion, but through trust and opening one’s hands to God, who does not draw people to Himself by force, but carries them with tenderness. He concluded by affirming that Christmas is a constant invitation to create space in the heart and in life, because welcoming God transforms the inner self, makes a person more merciful and peaceful, and turns even the simplest places into a dwelling worthy of His divine presence.

At the conclusion of the Mass, His Excellency blessed the parish priest and the faithful, wishing everyone a Christmas filled with peace, hope, and joy.