Celebrating Coexistence…

When I first moved to Beirut, I surprised by all of the Christmas decorations ornamenting city streets across the country — and the enthusiasm of many of my Muslim friends for Christmas celebrations, carol-singing, and concerts. Yesterday, in the spirit of peace and coexistence, the Greek Catholic Church in Sidon (one of my favorite coastal cities in the south) launched a festive event to celebrate the three major holidays that take place in December for Christians and Muslims: the feast day of St. Nicholas, Christmas, and the Prophet Mohammad’s birthday. The Greek Catholic Bishop for Sidon said, “On these happy days, we meet together in Sidon as Christians and Muslims to celebrate the glorious holidays.”