Actual Christmas in Qatar

One of the reasons we wanted to go to Qatar for Christmas was the chance to attend Christmas worship service in a real church -- and for that we will need to wait another year. However, we did attend Christmas midnight service and a daytime service as well, though not in a "real church".

The Emir of Qatar has designated various zones around Doha for particular activities -- Education City (for universities), Aspire Zone (athletics), and the ironically-named Religious Complex, a square mile of land just outside the city border, designated/divided for churches. The Anglicans were designated the representative for all Protestants. As the expression goes, it's like herding cats...protestant cats are raising money for construction, and sharing space among 29 different worshiping groups. The santuary is Almost Ready But Not Quite -- last year's shopping-mall fire has stiffened the resolve of the regional fire inspectors to delay certification until there is no possible chance of getting fired due to a fire on their watch. Thus the building inspection proceeds slowly. Thus we met in a small conference room, with only an electronic keyboard for accompaniment. And, by the way, because Every Christian church is in the same block, and most other denominations celebrate midnight mass in a big way, Every Christian vehicle was driving to or from the same locale = traffic jam. And because it's not a local holiday, construction trucks were also present in large numbers (yes, even at 11pm!).

Christmas Day family service at Doha English-Speaking School (DESS) was easier, more festive, with banners and tree and families. Anglican priest Bill Schwartz presided a both services (he presided over 7 services in a few days) with good cheer and a thoughtful homily.

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