Commentary: Advent reflection: Love amid brokenness

As we light the third candle of Advent, we are reminded of God’s love—a love that is unconditional, boundless and unchanging.

For Palestinian Christians, this love sustains us through the daily struggles of living in a land marked by occupation, violence, apartheid and division. Amid the wounds of our land and the suffering of our people, God’s love serves as our anchor, offering a deeper hope in the face of despair.

This love is not just for those who live in Palestine, but for anyone whose heart is broken—whether by fractured relationships, financial struggles, personal pain or the loss of a loved one. It is a love that heals and renews.

Saving love

The story of Christ’s birth is the story of love. In his infinite love, God chose to enter our world not as a king in a palace, but as a helpless child, born to a poor family in a humble town under occupation.

His coming was not a display of power, but an act of self-giving love, one that would ultimately lead him to the cross. Jesus’ love for us was not abstract. It was real, tangible and sacrificial. It was a love that endured suffering and death so the world might be saved.

Active love

For us, love is not just an emotion; it is an action. Love is shown in the daily decisions we make to care for our neighbors, support the suffering and offer compassion in the face of adversity.

In Palestine, love is found in small, sacrificial moments: the hand extended to a stranger, the forgiveness offered to those who have wronged us, and the quiet sacrifices made for others.

It is seen in Gaza, where widows continue to care for their children despite the danger, in churches that remain open for worship despite the ongoing genocide, and in communities that hold one another up when all hope seems lost.

Love is also seen in families who choose forgiveness over division and in individuals who hold on to hope amid overwhelming hardship.

Unified love

For the past few decades, Palestinian Christians from all denominations across the Holy Land—except in a few places like Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth—have united in celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25, according to the Gregorian calendar, while Oriental and Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7 and Easter according to the Julian (Eastern) calendar.

Despite denominational differences, this shared practice sends a powerful message of unity to our religious leaders, the global church and to the world. It reminds us that, as Christians, we are stronger together.

Our unity is not merely a social bond, but a unified witness to the love of Jesus. What unites us in Christ is far greater than what divides us. Let us pray and work for true global Christian unity.

Choose love

Love also is seen in how we honor our faith, heritage and land. We love our homeland not because it is perfect, but because it is where God has placed us.

Our land, despite its suffering, is where we continue to find God’s presence. We hold on to the hope that one day, God will bring peace and justice, and that his love will heal the wounds inflicted by years of conflict, hatred and occupation.

As we reflect on Christ’s love for us this Advent, we are called to share that love with others. Love is not just a feeling; it is a choice. It is a decision to put the needs of others before our own, to reach out to those who are suffering and to stand with the oppressed.

As we await the birth of Christ, let us pray for the strength to love as he loved—sacrificially, generously and without condition.

Prayer of love

Lord, we thank you for your constant, unchanging love. Help us to love others as you have loved us, especially those who are difficult to love. May your love fill our hearts and overflow into our actions, bringing healing and reconciliation to our broken hearts and world.

We pray for the people of Jerusalem, the United States, Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, Armenia and for all who suffer. We lift up families torn apart by conflict, those facing financial hardship and all who long for healing.

May your love bring peace, justice and restoration to our world. 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.