Kairos Palestine Christmas Alert 2023 - 3rd advent
3rd Sunday of Advent
By Mays Nassar
““In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’” (Luke 2:8-14)
As I write this reflection, we find ourselves amidst the 39th day of the unjust and devastating war on Gaza. The situation in both Gaza and the West Bank continues to deteriorate. Each day, we grapple with the question of whether it can worsen further, only to wake up the next morning to scenes of relentless attacks, massacres, destruction, violent arrests, harassment, and targeted killings. Indeed, each passing day seems more harrowing than the last.
In the face of this grim reality, the normalcy of our lives as Palestinians has been completely disrupted. Our days are now consumed by indescribable rage, sorrow, and fear. Often, these emotions paralyze us, prompting us to question if there is any hope left to cling to.
A dear friend once imparted a wish to me that I will forever carry with me. She said, ”Mays, I wish you small rays of hope in everyday life.” Now is the time for us to open our eyes to some overlooked sources of hope. Consider a photograph capturing Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah and other medical staff smiling as they operate on an injured girl in AlAhli Hospital in Gaza, signaling resilience with the caption ”Still going strong.” Think of journalists enduring the loss of their families and homes yet persisting in their work to report on the happenings in Gaza. Picture the Camps Breakers Crew, dancers who, despite the adversities, perform and teach Gazan children, seeking solace through dance in UNRWA shelter schools.
There are also stories of Palestinians in Musafer Yatta, the most vulnerable population in the occupied Palestinian territories, standing resolute, refusing to abandon their lands and homes despite ongoing settler violence, restrictive measures, demolition orders, and actions.
As a Palestinian, these instances echo the call, ”Do not be afraid,” spoken by the angel to the shepherds announcing the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Amidst the numerous challenges, these scenes serve as my wellsprings of hope, patience, and faith that this injustice will not remain. And through our resilience, we indeed teach life to the rest of the world.
Mays Nassar is Palestinian Christian woman from Beit Jala. With a passion for advocating for justice and the human rights of every Palestinian, Mays has played a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing projects that align with the mission and values of Kairos Palestine. Mays is also passionate and supports social projects for children with disabilities.
Prayer:
“Rays of hope,” God, open the tear-full eyes and the broken hearts of our Palestinian sisters and brothers to see the rays of hope around them. Move us, their family, to offer the light of your love to them and others in concrete and practical ways. In the name of the Light of the World, our Savior Jesus.
Action:
When you receive the Eucharist today, carry with you a family of one of the children killed in the bombing attacks in Gaza, and/or receive communion as an act of solidarity with Palestinians—Muslim and Christian—who cannot attend their places of worship because of Israeli closures. As preparation, share with your friends the sermon preached on October 28 in Bethlehem’s Lutheran Christmas Church. Please email to tell us of your experience at (kairos@kairospalestine.ps).