Nazareth family: Jesus saved us
Father rescues five children, wife from fire; house burns down but Jesus picture remains intact
Christmas miracle? A Nazareth family who survived a fire that damaged much of its home but spared a Jesus photo says it owes its life to a miracle, Israeli Arabic-language newspaper al-Sinara reported.
The fire broke out at the Shama family home at early morning hours, but a crying baby alerted the father to the fire and he promptly rescued his five children and wife while demonstrating impressive courage.
House burned down (Left) but Jesus picture survived (Right) – Photo: Zacharia Hassan
The father, Amar, removed his children from the house one by one while the living room was on fire and then removed his wife from the burning home after breaking a window. During his heroic efforts, he washed his face with the rain pouring outside before coming back for yet another family member. Amar later drew praise from police officials, who lauded his bravery and the way he was able to function under extreme circumstances.
Amar's brother, Imad, said the fire gutted everything in the house, "Including the smallest objects," as well as textbooks used by the children the previous evening. A Christmas tree placed in a corner of the house was also burned down, but the spirit of the holiday apparently remained unscathed after a picture of Jesus hung on one of the walls miraculously remained intact. The edges of the picture were burned, but Jesus' face was not damaged.
Family members say they believe the "miracle picture" is a sign from above indicating that Jesus looked over them and saved them from the fire.
Meanwhile, police officials launched an investigation into the circumstances of the fire and believe it was caused by a short circuit or a lighting strike.
