Egypt has celebrated thousands of Christmas Eves for centuries, since Christianity was first introduced to the country in AD 42, but on this particular Christmas Eve in 2015, something special happened that had never happened before in Egyptian Christian (Coptic) history. It became very obvious that fate had planned something extraordinary for these patriotic Egyptians. The event breathed new life into the nation and bound its people more strongly together. Originally, Egyptians, the authentic inhabitants of Egypt who have lived on this land for thousands of years, were Christian. Together, the Christians and Muslims of Egypt have defended their country with legendary valor. The October 1973 War was not the first example of this. At the beginning of the 20th Century, came the Egyptian revolution against British occupation. The priest, Sergius took to the podium at Al Azhar (the renowned mosque in Cairo) to speak to the Muslims and Muslim Sheikhs spoke to the Christians in church. This was during the revolution begun by Saad Zaghloul and his comrades and it was the start of Egyptian national liberalism. The Copts receded into the background for decades following the July 1952 Revolution. Many unhappy events took place, that began to sully the atmosphere. However, what happened during the 25 January 2011 Revolution helped restore the balance in an unprecedented way. In the first days of the revolution, there was no telling whether the blood that was spilt by the Egyptians who died in its defense, was Christian or Muslim they were all shohada (martyrs). In the days that followed the Coptic youth acted as a human shield to protect their Muslim brethren during Friday prayers. This scene was broadcast by the media all over the world and it confirmed that Egypt, with its Muslims and Copts, was recovering consciousness and rising once again. In October 2011 the Maspero incident took place and it could have had an extremely negative effect, had it not been for the wisdom of the Church Elders. Their mature handling of the matter did not allow the nation's enemies, both at home and abroad, to take advantage of this opportunity to cause more damage. Everybody was able to put this whole horrific matter behind them, although there is still a crying need for justice to be done. For the first time in its history, Egypt experienced one whole year of religious rule. This year was disastrous for Egyptians in general and Copts in particular. The Saint Mark Coptic Orthodox Cathedral, which represents the Coptic Church in Egypt, was attacked and treated with disrespect. This unhappy year did not end before leaving us with a sad finale that was perceived as the worst criminal act perpetrated against the Egyptian Church since the introduction of Islam to Egypt: About 100 churches, houses and shops were burnt down, and Copts were killed and kidnapped. The aim was clear: to ignite the hateful and destructive spark of sectarian strife and to leave nothing intact. Pope Tawadros, who was sent to us by God at this particular time, was wise enough to circumvent this devious plot. He declared that if all the churches were burnt the Copts would pray in the mosques, and if mosques were destroyed they would pray in the streets. Later he said that a country without churches was far better than churches without a country. Christmas came round and the Cathedral was made ready for mass. President Abdel Fattah El Sisi sent his delegates to greet the Copts on the occasion, as is the custom. But, a few minutes after the mass began, Egyptians were given a wonderful surprise. Suddenly and without warning, the Egyptians found El Sisi in their midst at the Cathedral, giving them his familiar, captivating smile. He made his way to the podium to be met with a hug by the head of the Church. The congregation hailed the President and shouted "We love you Sisi", so loudly that they shook the walls of the Cathedral whose foundation stone was laid by President Gamal Abdel Nasser. This is the first time in Egypt's history for a Muslim president to attend a Coptic Church mass, to mix with the congregation, to wish them a Happy Christmas and to confirm that he could not possibly have missed the opportunity to be present. Sisi's presence at the Cathedral as President of all the Egyptians has brought home, with absolute clarity, the Egyptian identity of all the people of Egypt. He is a president who has asked his people to overcome sectarianism and circumvent doctrinal divisions; he is a president who is dreaming of his country's return to being a beacon of civilization, fraternity and humanity for the rest of the world, as it was thousands of years ago. Sisi conveyed his message with all his senses and with his body language, that confirmed his words 100%. His clear smile was proof of his purity of heart, true and loving intentions and his belief that a modern Egypt should be built on the firm foundation of citizenship with no distinction or discrimination. At the Cathedral, Sisi's words were spontaneous, coming as they did from a generous heart and soul and expressing the pure love that should fill people's hearts when they are about to build a bright future. The smiles followed by the tears that were seen on the Pope's face are proof that Sisi has won people's hearts. Egypt will follow him on the road to recovery. "Hand in hand" is what the Coptic congregation chanted on Christmas Eve in recognition of the unity of Muslims and Christians. It also marked the return of the golden Egyptian sun, about which Fayrouz sang, one day. Among a number of positive characteristics, Sisi enjoys unlimited social intelligence and a penetrating strategic view. He is courageous and able to make emotionally firm decisions in face of a crisis. A ruler, he believes, should be brave and those who lack bravery should not become rulers. His visit to the Copts that night carried a message to the whole world about Islam's tolerance and moderation. The Egyptian version of Islam rejects fabricated, misleading slogans and displays the meaning of true national unity to the world. The message is that Egypt is a land for Christianity and Islam. It has been the sole custodian of heavenly messages, from the time of Akhenaten till now. The mature political pragmatism of Sisi will benefit Egypt now and in the future. His visit to the cathedral did more for Egypt's image than had he spent millions of dollars on doing so. He made an effective demonstration of coexistence. The main concern of the Egyptian president is to build for Egypt's future. He has no personal agendas to pursue. What he did on July 3, 2013 was good enough, but he called for solidarity and unity at that very critical moment. He wanted to drive out hatred and intolerance and build a new Egypt. The famous American playwright Arthur Miller once said in a play that nations die when their political dreams die. If we think of this statement's opposite we can say that nations prosper by way of their political dreams. Sisi's visit to the Cathedral is one of those dreams that many Egyptians have long cherished on the road to liberty and enlightenment. Sisi has made it a reality. Egyptians are sure to follow the lead as they acclaim, "Long live Egypt!"
