[Fred Mertz]

“Across the world billions of people will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, but here, at the centre of all this attention, Christians cannot celebrate. We don’t have the money and it is not right with people in such miserable circumstances. Our main concern is not decorations, it is getting food for the people.”

This isn't a good sign.

[Nix 2]

"Christians cannot celebrate."

Why not, Fred? Christ was born in a stable. These monks live in relative splendor and can ask for much more if they need to. If they give food to the poor, fine. If they don't realize that Hamas would not waste a single moment in plotting the murders of tourists, fine. But if they do not realize that it is the BIRTH they are to celebrate, not the BUCKS, then something has gone bass ackwards in that Church.