A new set of Christmas cards has been released by Doctors of the World UK depicting traditional nativity scenes interposed with scenes of war in the Middle East.
According to ChristianToday.com, the charity is using the cards to raise money for its work bringing healthcare to people around the world.
One of the scenes depicts Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the manger in a bombed-out building. Another card shows the three Wise Men looking out at a destroyed village. Yet another shows a missile being launched in place of the Bethlehem Star.
Mike Oughton, creative director at McCann London, who designed the cards, explained the inspiration behind them:
"We saw a huge irony in the war-torn imagery of the Middle East today, when compared to the imagery of the nativity, and its message of 'peace on earth' and 'goodwill to all men.’
"By creating a set of Christmas cards that seamlessly merge the past with the stark realities of the present, we hope to prick people's consciences," he continued.”
Doctors of the World UK said that the cards weren’t meant to make a religious or political statement, but were instead meant to “shine a light on the realities of life in the Middle East at Christmas,” according to executive director Leigh Daynes.
"We want to provoke a broad public debate about the effect of the conflict on ordinary people at the time of year when many of us are thinking of loved ones, peace and goodwill,” Daynes added.
Photo courtesy: Wikipedia
Publication date: November 29, 2016
