Aleppo has been ground zero of the Syrian conflict recently, with citizens suffering in the crossfire of a deadly battle between pro-Assad forces and rebels seeking to oust the current president.
Related: Syrian Regime Claims to Have Full Control of Aleppo
In the midst of utter destruction, God is showing up in a big way.
Incredible images are surfacing out of Aleppo providing a glimpse at what Christmas church services looked like – in a roofless, nearly destroyed century plus old church.
St. Elias Maronite Cathedral, which which was built in 1873, held it’s first church service in years since being decimated by terrorists. Inspiring pictures show the church packed with the faithful, creating both a somber reminder of the realities of war, and also a great reminder that no one will ever stop God.
This picture has been haunting me since I first saw it…it makes my heart ache with a sad but real joy. Who can stop the King of Glory! https://t.co/FrYF5NVTuO
— Matt Chandler (@MattChandler74) December 26, 2016
Christians braved the unknown, a gaping hole in the roof, and debris all around in order to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Another stunning view.
Christmas Mass in St. Elias Maronite cathedral in #Aleppo, among the ruins caused by the four-year-long strife pic.twitter.com/6nzoP99yte
— Maher Al Mounes (@Maher_mon) December 25, 2016
Here’s some incredible drone footage of the damage:
The bulk of the damage occurred back in 2013 when jihadists ripped through the city, attempting to destroy Christian landmarks.
Here’s footage of those attacks:
In spite of all this violence and all of this conflict, the efforts to stamp out Christianity have failed.
Fear, intimidation and physical destruction have lost. They are no match for God! Inspiring to see His people out worshipping in the midst of war.
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