An Arabic Christmas carol about war

The Middle East has not had it easy with regards to war and armed conflicts and Lebanon is no exception. I struggle mostly to summarize the complexities and nuances of war but one thing I am beyond tired of is foreign powers escalating conflicts in other countries to fight proxy wars with one another. One could argue that such involvement protracted the civil war in Lebanon which ended up lasting 25 years and led to the deaths of 150 000 people. It also caused the exodus of almost one million people from Lebanon.

It was during this time that Father Youssef Mouannes composed a Christmas carol, still sung today in the Arab world. Laylat-al-Milad (On Christmas Night), is less about the birth of Jesus and more about the life He calls us to live. The melody is beautiful and haunting, steeped in the reality and suffering of the day while calling us to a life above the war and hatred. It calls us to live as Jesus did.

It is a song that is even more potent and relevant in the Middle East today where this Christmas it was sung at many gatherings with a sadness but also longing and faith for a future with peace and God's kingdom of love established. It is sung not to confirm a present reality but in faith for a better future. This to me is the Gospel response to the madness around us.

Laylat-al-Milad

Chorus:

On Christmas night, hatred vanishes

On Christmas night, the earth blooms

On Christmas night, war is buried

On Christmas night, love is born

Verse 1:

When we offer a glass of water to a thirsty person, we are in Christmas

When we clothe a naked person with a gown of love, we are in Christmas

When we wipe the tears from weeping eyes, we are in Christmas

When we cushion a hopeless heart with love, we are in Christmas

Verse 2:

When I kiss a friend without hypocrisy, I am in Christmas

When the spirit of revenge dies in me, I am in Christmas

When hardness is gone from my heart, I am in Christmas

When my soul melts in the being of God, I am in Christmas