Nicole Schiavi, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem
Dec. 25, 2002

JERUSALEM - At a time when security concerns and economic uncertainty are keeping residents on edge, hundreds of Christians gathered in downtown Jerusalem on Christmas Eve to celebrate the light of the world.

The International Christian Embassy sponsored Christmas caroling in Safra Square where a choir and miniature orchestra braved the cold weather to celebrate Jesus' birth and sing of the hope he brings.

Beleaguered residents of this weary city filtered through the square and many stopped to participate or at least listen.

"People are very sad. You can see there is no Christmas spirit," said Anahid Aslanian, an Armenian Christian who grew up in Jerusalem and now lives in Istanbul, Turkey. "Here with this caroling I felt a little bit of Christmas."

Anahid is home for the holidays to visit her family. She said the concert downtown on Tuesday night, "gives people the push to go back to their family and give them happiness and joy."

Just down the street from the scene of a number of terror attacks within the past year, carolers sung of light and peace. Several passersby stopped and listened to the music and participated in the candle lighting.

"It was a nice atmosphere," said Meir Altshuler, a Jewish Israeli. "I believe that if this causes those people to feel better, it is fine."

Chuck King, ICEJ worship director and organizer of the event, said the evening was charged with a unique atmosphere.

"I especially appreciated the way the evening ended with prayer for the peace of Jerusalem," King said. "That makes our gathering here significant."

The outdoor concert, in front of City Hall, was followed by another concert at the west Jerusalem YMCA.