12/25/2018 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – “Merry Christmas and happy New Year,” Mazin, a Christian from Mosul displaced by the Islamic State (ISIS), wishes his friends and family. “Christmas is always fun; it’s a time for parents to meet. Peace was born when Christ was born. The world changed since that day.”

For Iraqi Christians, many of whom remain displaced by ISIS, Christmas this year is filled with extra meaning—and hardship. Living as a Christian in Iraq has always come with challenges, but their situation significantly worsened in 2014 when ISIS swept across their homeland in the Nineveh Plains. ISIS was not declared militarily defeated until December 2017. One year later, many Christians continue to suffer the consequences of displacement.

For Mazin, Christmas provides a sense of comfort despite the challenges of living as a displaced person. “It is not important whether we are displaced or in our homelands. Christ was displaced when he was born, even though he had an effective life. [But] by the way, this doesn’t mean that we don’t miss our house in Mosul,” Mazin explained.

While Mazin remains displaced, and is not likely to return home to Mosul, other Christians have made an attempt to return home and rebuild their lives. “This is my first time celebrating Christmas in Qaraqosh after liberation!” exclaimed Rafid. “I can’t wait to walk to the church that night. I thought I would never celebrate that again. So happy we are here again.”

But even with the joy of finally being able to worship in his hometown this Christmas season, Rafid knows that this could be his last. Decades of persecution have made him and many Iraqi Christians expectant of future displacements. “Who knows, probably next year we will celebrate somewhere else. Let’s enjoy it and hope it will not be the last,” Rafid added.

Years of persecution and subsequent displacement have left the Iraqi Church scattered across the world. While the Christmas season is a time of joy, it is also bittersweet. Ruaa explained, “I think Baghdad has the largest Christmas celebration. You can see Christmas trees are everywhere, [even] Muslims celebrate the Christmas in Iraq. But unfortunately the celebration is not in a proper way, not suitable for families because of the general culture.”