On the 10th of December, Christians across the globe marked the second Sunday of Advent by lighting the candle of “Faith”. While the world is celebrating the Christmas season by decorating trees and holding Christmas parties, in Palestine, we are commemorating Christmas by foregoing the usual celebrations, waiting for God to deliver us from 75 years of settler colonial violence. Indeed, we are living out the reality of the Christmas story.
Emmauel, your incarnation took place in our land 2000 years ago; like those in the nativity story, we await your saving presence. Lord, this year, help us to deeply understand the meaning of your incarnation, which promises liberation and justice for the oppressed. May we proclaim Mary’s prophetic words this Christmas, “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty” (Luke 1:52-53).