As we light the second candle of Advent, we are reminded of the peace Christ offers—a peace that surpasses understanding and remains steadfast, even in the most turbulent times.
For those of us in the Holy Land, where occupation and oppression often overshadow joy, this peace can feel distant. Yet, it is in these darkest moments that Christ’s peace shines brightest—not as the absence of struggle, but as a presence that endures through it all.
Unlikely peace
We turn our hearts to the shepherds’ field in Beit Sahour, a Palestinian Christian town just outside Bethlehem, where angels proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14).
In those same fields today, the sounds of joy often are drowned out by the violence of Israeli settler attacks, land confiscations, home demolitions and gunfire. Yet, the promise of peace remains. It is not a peace that erases suffering, but one that meets us in it, holding us in hope.
Active peace
For Palestinian Christians, peace is not passive. It is an active choice to trust in God’s presence, no matter how trying the circumstances.
We find peace in simple acts—prayers whispered in the night, children’s laughter amid the rubble of Gaza, shared meals where love defies fear and in churches that stand unbroken, testaments to centuries of faith. These acts declare peace is still possible, even when the world seems overwhelming.
In a land scarred by an apartheid wall, military occupation and ongoing violence, choosing peace requires courage. It means refusing to repay hate with hate or violence with violence. It means forgiving, even when it seems impossible, and loving when the world urges us to do the opposite.
Just as Christ forgave those who crucified him, we are called to forgive and to be peacemakers—even when the path is painful.
Living peace
We draw strength from Isaiah’s prophecy: “He will be called Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The peace Jesus offers doesn’t promise a painless life, but assures us he is with us through it all. His abiding presence sustains us, even in desperate times.
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In Palestine, peace is a living hope. It is found in the courage of a mother praying for her children’s safety, in a father planting seeds in soil scarred by war and in the unwavering faith of a community gathering for worship, even when bombs threaten to shatter the silence. These moments of grace remind us peace is still possible, even in the darkest of times.
Despite hardships, our love for Jesus remains unshaken. We hold him close, celebrating his birth three times a year in Bethlehem. First, on Dec. 25, by Eastern and Roman Catholics, Protestants and Evangelicals. Then, on Jan. 7, by Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians. Finally, on Jan. 19, by Palestinian Armenians.
This shared joy reminds us, despite differences and divisions, we are united in his peace. Let us pray for peace within our churches, among Christians, and for true Christian unity.
Waiting peace
This Advent, as we await the coming of the Prince of Peace, we are called to carry that peace into the world. While we cannot always change our circumstances, we can choose how we respond. We can choose peace—even when it seems impossible.
Let us remember: Peace begins in the heart. It is not merely the absence of war, but the presence of God’s love, justice and mercy in our lives. As we await Christ’s coming, let us pray for peace in our minds, hearts, families, homes, cities and nations. May we be peacemakers in a world in need of healing and reconciliation.
Prayer of peace
Lord, we thank you for being our Prince of Peace. In the midst of conflict, help us experience your peace that surpasses all understanding. May your peace reign in our hearts and overflow into our families and communities.
Give us the courage to be agents of peace, to forgive, to love and to seek justice for all. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the United States, Artsakh, Lebanon, Ukraine and Syria, and for all those suffering in conflict. We pray for the healing of our broken 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.
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