As Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, their prayers turn to the child of the manger, hoping that peace and safety may take root in every part of the world, especially in Lebanon and throughout the Middle East.

On this occasion, church bells rang out in celebration at midnight, as Masses were held across churches and prayers were offered in the presence of large gatherings of worshippers.

In Zgharta, Ehden, and the surrounding district, midnight Masses were held and celebrations continue throughout the day, drawing large numbers of the faithful.

Mass at St. Joseph Church Zgharta (Tony Frangieh).

At St. Joseph Church in Zgharta, Father Suleiman Yammine presided over the Mass and delivered a homily after the Holy Gospel, reflecting on the meaning of Christmas and the Incarnation of the Son of God. He called on the faithful to live the truth of this divine and human mystery, not merely through outward displays of lights and celebration, but by embodying the teachings of the Gospel and the Church.

He emphasized genuine love among people and inner peace, offering prayers to the child of the manger for peace to prevail in Lebanon and throughout the world.

Mass at St. Joseph Church Zgharta (Tony Frangieh).

Bishop Soueif at Christmas Mass: Lebanon needs to rebuild state integrity

Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli, Bishop Youssef Soueif, presided over the Christmas Midnight Mass at St. Maron Church in Tripoli, assisted by parish priest Monsignor Nabil Mouawad and a number of priests. In his homily following the Holy Gospel, Soueif stressed that “Lebanon must restore the integrity of the state and renew trust, so that institutions can function properly and lay a solid foundation for a hopeful and prosperous future.”

He added, “Christmas opens before us a new horizon, calling us to be peacemakers. Peace is not merely the result of agreements to end conflicts or halt wars; it is a gift from God to humanity and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.”

He said, “We thank God for the blessing of the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Lebanon,” noting that Lebanon, which welcomed the Pope with faith and joy, was called to become a permanent workshop for peace after wars that devastated the country, crippled its institutions, and forced its people into displacement.

Baalbek City

“On Christmas Eve, hatred fades away and the earth blossoms with the love of the divine Child.” In this spirit, the city of Baalbek and its surrounding Christian towns celebrated the birth of the Lord Jesus, as churches filled with the faithful and prayers and hymns rose, proclaiming the peace and joy of salvation.

In Baalbek City and the towns of Deir El Ahmar, Bechouat, Al Qaa, and Ras Baalbek, Christmas Masses were held in a moving spiritual atmosphere, with sermons emphasizing that the birth of Jesus is the beginning of hope for all who suffer, a heavenly light in the darkness of this world. Despite the challenges, Baalbek renews its faith that "the Lord is near," and the message of Christmas continues to plant love and illuminate the path to hope.