As we light the fourth candle of Advent, we are reminded of the joy Christ brings—not a joy rooted in our circumstances, but in the unshakable truth that God is with us, Emmanuel.
In the Holy Land, where the weight of occupation and suffering presses on us daily, joy often can feel distant. Yet, Advent teaches us true joy is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of Christ—our hope and light—even in our worst times and moods.
Anchored joy
This joy is anchored in God’s promise. When the angel declared to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10), it was not a promise of a magical life without suffering, but a declaration the Savior had come to dwell among us.
Christ brought light into our darkness. This joy does not erase our pain, but transforms it—filling our suffering with purpose and hope as we hold fast to Christ’s presence in every trial.
Resistant joy
In Palestine, joy is not merely an emotion; it is an act of resistance. It is woven into the fabric of our existence, even amid the oppression we face.
It shines in the laughter of children in Gaza and Bethlehem, who play despite the heavy burdens of conflict. It lives in communities that, even in scarcity, share their last piece of bread.
These acts of joy are not born out of nothing, but from defiance—a bold declaration the light of Christ never will be extinguished, no matter how dark the world becomes.
Generous joy
One of the most powerful symbols of joy in our land is St. Nicholas, the fourth-century bishop whose legacy is deeply cherished in Beit Jala, a Palestinian Christian town near Bethlehem.
St. Nicholas (Mar Nicola) is the town’s patron saint—a protector, miracle worker and living example of sacrificial love. His feast day is celebrated with prayers, processions and public festivities, honoring him not as a myth, but as a real man whose life of generosity brought joy, hope and healing to countless people.
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The St. Nicholas Church in Beit Jala, built over the cave where he lived and prayed, stands as a testament to his legacy of love, kindness and generosity, drawing believers from around the world. This legacy endures in the figure of Santa Claus, whose spirit is rooted in St. Nicholas’ life of sacrificial giving.
While commercialized over time, Santa’s Christian values of kindness, generosity and selflessness continue to inspire and guide us.
Choose joy
As we reflect on the joy Christ brings this Advent, we are reminded joy is not simply an emotion, it is a choice. True joy is not found in the absence of suffering or in receiving, but in choosing faith over fear, in giving and in trusting God’s presence is more than enough.
Even in our deepest pain, we can choose joy, knowing Christ is with us and never will leave us.
This joy also is rooted in hope. As we await Christ’s return, we are filled with joy not only for his first coming, but also for the fullness of his promise—a future where suffering, pain and tears will be no more. Until that day comes, we live in the joy of knowing Christ is with us now and will return to make all things new.
Prayer of joy
Lord, we thank you for the joy that flows from knowing you are with us. Help us to find joy even in our struggles and to trust you are working all things together for our good. May your joy fill our hearts and overflow into the lives of those around us, bringing hope and light to a dark world.
We pray for our brothers and sisters in Jerusalem, the United States, Lebanon, Armenia, Ukraine, Syria, Sudan and all who suffer. Strengthen us to be a light in the world. We pray for the coming of your kingdom, where joy, peace and justice reign. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Christ is born! Let us glorify him!
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Jack Nassar is a Christian in Ramallah, Palestine, who strives to foster positive change in the public, private, nonprofit and academic realms. The views expressed in this opinion article are those of the author.
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