Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Rahi presided over the Christmas Mass at the Patriarchal See, with the participation of President Joseph Aoun, the First Lady, and a number of current and former MPs and ministers.

In his sermon, Rahi pointed out that "the people are tired of crises and await a new dawn, and we believe that darkness is not destiny; Christmas is the new beginning in which we say enough to wars, divisions, and fear of the future."

He said, "Lebanon can rise, heal, and become a homeland of peace, and we offer a silent prayer for Lebanon so that Christmas may mark the beginning of a new phase in which the prestige of the state and institutions is restored, and respect for the constitution and laws is renewed."

Addressing President Aoun, he said, "The celebration is complete with your presence, Your Excellency, and we hope that Christmas brings blessings to your journey, so that Lebanon may enjoy peace. A Savior has been born for us, a call to life for a people tired of crises."

He added, "Lebanon is built through courageous and wise decisions, and this homeland is called to be a country of living together, a homeland of hope, not despair."