Jesus is the reason for the season, and as you well know, He was not a Palestinian. Jesus was born a Jew in Judea. He lived and died as a Jew. One day Jesus will return to Jerusalem as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah! Jesus’s Jewish identity is unmistakable.
Christ demonstrated God’s great love for the Jewish people when He wept over Jerusalem. It is God’s great love that has sustained the Jewish people throughout their exile and made a way for Israel to be reborn as a nation at a time when it seemed impossible. We continue to see God’s hand at work in Israel.
Last Christmas we were looking at the hardest time in Israel’s history. Israel was still reeling from the October 7th attacks and was surrounded by enemies who sought its destruction. So much has changed in what has been an extremely challenging year.
Militarily, Israel has seen some great success. Hamas is all but destroyed. Hezbollah, long feared as an existential threat to Israel, has had its military capabilities severely hampered. The Iranian regime’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ against Israel, including its operation in Syria, has crumbled before our eyes. Israel’s enemies have been building up strength for the past four decades with the aim of destroying Israel, and in a single year it has all come crashing down.
The world may not like it when Israel takes decisive action against Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, but Israel is not looking for the world’s approval. Israel is fighting for its survival, and it makes no apology for that.
Despite Israel’s successes, the Jewish people have suffered immensely. Hundreds of Israeli soldiers have fallen in battle in Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel. Every single one of them gave their lives as defenders of Israel. Their sacrifice was not in vain.
Likewise, Israeli civilians have also suffered. Families have been torn apart by this war. Dozens of Israeli men, women and children have been killed at the hands of terrorists. And the hostages are yet to return home.
Christmas Day will mark 445 days of captivity for the Israeli hostages. Four-hundred-and-forty-five days of fear, torment and despair. Please remember them in your prayers.
In the UK, we have seen a shaking up of our political landscape. A new government has brought with it many challenges in the UK-Israel relationship. These anti-Israel political moves emphasise the importance of CUFI in the UK. The Bible makes it clear that for Britain to be blessed it must bless Israel and the Jewish people, and we will not cease holding the government to account.
Thankfully, we have partners like you who continue to stand with us. Your faithfulness enables CUFI to proclaim Biblical truth in the UK. We want to thank you for standing with CUFI in 2024 and beyond. We could not do this without you.
We have also been encouraged by the bravery of many Christians who have stood up and spoken out for Israel throughout this year. The messages we receive from our supporters motivates us to carry on this important work.
Christians United for Israel does exactly what its name suggests. We are Christians from all different denominations and walks of life who are united under Christ for the single purpose of blessing Israel and showing love to the Jewish people.
We have a heart for Israel because God has a heart for Israel. You have captured this revelation and you’re making it a reality in your faithful support of CUFI.
God loves Israel with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). The Jewish people live on because the God of the universe showed favour upon them, called them His own, and gave them their land. We can be assured that no matter what lies ahead, Israel’s future is safe in God’s hands.
As Christians, we too are grafted into the Abrahamic root with the Jewish people. God’s love paved the way for Christ to come into the world, born in Bethlehem, so that all who believe in Him will be called sons and daughters of God – His people. As always, Jesus is the ‘reason for the season’ just as God’s love for Israel is the reason Christians love Israel.
Thank you for standing with Israel and CUFI throughout 2024. We pray you will have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!
For Zion’s Sake,
Des Starritt
Executive Director, CUFI UK
