CWN - The Maronite archbishop of Damascus said in a Christian message that some Syrian children are envious of the Holy Family in Bethlehem.

“The Syrian children, abandoned and marked by scenes of violence, dream of being in Jesus’ place, who always has his parents around him,” said Archbishop Samir Nassar in his Christmas reflections, according to a Fides report. “Some envy the divine Child who found a stable in which to be born and have shelter, while among these unfortunate children there are those who were born under the bombs.”

While the Virgin Mary was not “alone in her difficulties: many unhappy and unfortunate mothers live in extreme poverty and load all the family responsibilities on their shoulders, without their husbands,” he added. “The reassuring presence of Joseph in the Holy Family arouses jealousy among the thousands of families deprived of their father.”