This year, Coptic Christmas bears little if any festivity, laments Amira El-Noshokaty As Egypt mourns the death of citizens in the aftermath of the horrific bombing attack on the Two Saints Church in Alexandria on New Year's Eve; Coptic Christmas tiptoes with a glimpse of hope. "King of peace" is the name of the painting, by renowned artist Wagdy Habashy. "It's an icon that helps us realise that Christ came to earth as a symbol of human rebirth," explained Habashy adding that Christ was born to be crusified and purge the world from Adam's sin, transcending people towards all the peace and joy that all angels were chanting the day Christ was born: "praise God almighty, bring peace on earth and joy to people". Coptic Christmas is usually celebrated on the eve of 6 January. Midnight prayers bring Copts together in the nearest church to their homes. The joyous chants usually end with bell tolls that announce the dawn of Christmas day. Egyptians go home with their families to exquisite banquets to break their 45 days of fasting. Meat is usually the centerpiece of the banquets and preferably fetta dish, (an Egyptian dish which is a mixture of rice, bread and meat, usually affiliated with Coptic and Muslim feasts). This Christmas however, most people will limit the festivities out of respect and mourning for the victims of the tragic event. Our hearts are with the families of the victims and we pray for peace and love to all Egyptians. Merry Christmas Egypt.
