As I stood in Manger Square in Bethlehem amidst the sparkle of the Christmas tree being lit, there was a palpable sense of joy, yet tempered by sorrow.

For 2 years the celebrations of Christmas have been cancelled…though of course not Christmas itself. The words of Maher Canawati, the Mayor of Bethlehem, a city twinned with Glasgow, spoke clearly;

 ‘As Bethlehem lights its Christmas tree, the deep anguish endured by our people in Gaza does not leave our hearts. The wound of Gaza is our wound, the people of Gaza are our people, and the light of Christmas has no meaning unless it first touches the hearts of the afflicted and the oppressed all over Palestine….Through these celebrations, Palestinians send a message of resilience – to say we are still here, determined to live, to keep Bethlehem the capital of Christmas, and to continue telling its story. Palestinians love life.”

His words speak into the deep meaning of Christmas. A time where there is joy, hope and love shared by us all because of the birth of a Saviour in Bethlehem, who was announced with great joy and great promise. They also speak of a deep longing in the land of the first Christmas for peace, for justice, for global solidarity and support from a people who show great courage and steadfastness. The word ‘sumud’ sums up this courage.

For many of us this time of year brings so much joy yet for others it is tinged with sadness as we remember loss, experience loneliness and long for hope, love, peace and reconciliation to be seen in our families, our communities, our nations and our world.

Palliative care has at its heart humanity; the recognition of each person being precious and unique and deserving of dignity, support and access to healthcare in their time of need. Our Cairdeas gathering recently showcased humanity and dignity as partners shared their work but also the values that underpin all they do and are. If you missed this encouraging event the videos are available on our website and will be shared on our social media pages soon. We pay tribute to all our incredible colleagues and partners in Uganda, Palestine, Sudan and India who show this humanity and offer dignified care in so many places and to so many people even in the most challenging of circumstances. We thank our supporters and commit once again to use whatever resources are given to us to work together with our partners for a world where palliative care is available to all in need.

More than ever this year we welcome financial support as a generous legacy from one of our original supporters will be nearing an end in 2026. Read below about our renewed fundraising efforts for 2026, and our February global palliative care conference.

Many of us will sing the carol O Little Town of Bethlehem this year, with the poignant words ‘Yet in thy dark streets shineth an everlasting light. The hope and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight. O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! ’

As we celebrate in our different ways this Christmas, and at the end of 2025 with all its joys and sorrows, we also look forward to 2026 with hope. This hope is not mere wishful thinking but is both a deep reassurance and a call to action. I share a beautiful poem written by a Palestinian poet, Khawla Badwan.

‘There is no hope, be the action that restores hope

There is no justice, be the voice that speaks of justice

There is no courage, be the witness that lives in courage.

There is no light, be the holder that forces light

 There is no mercy, be the heart that teaches mercy.

There is no language, be the crafter that makes language.’

Wishing you and yours the blessing of joy, love and hope from the Prince of Peace this Christmas and every blessing for 2026.

Mhoira Leng

Medical Director

Upcoming in 2026

During the gathering, we shared some ways in which your donations go to making a difference in the lives of patients and carers in vulnerable communities. To help support the work of our partners and colleagues in crisis stricken places like Gaza and Sudan, please consider starting or increasing a regular donation, which you can do via our website, or through bank transfers: Sort Code 83-15-31, Account Number 11090398.

Looking to 2026, we are excited to be part-hosting a global palliative care conference on February 7^th in partnership with Edinburgh University’s Global Health Academy and PallCHASE. Taking place in George Square, Edinburgh, the conference will explore palliative care in the midst of conflict and change and will feature talks from Rev. Rick Bauer, Dr Nahla Gafer, Dr Yasser Abu Jamieh and Dr Mhoira Leng. This will be an important time of sharing between colleagues, to register for the event and get tickets, click here.