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Welcome to #ccdaAdvent.
In the midst of darkness, oppression, and marginalization, Christ entered the scene of the first Advent and paved the way for our communal wellbeing. This Advent season, we invite you to consider the implications of Christ’s coming for our communities. What lessons may we draw from their context?
We are excited to partner with Red Letter Christians and share with you their devotional, “Reflections From Bethlehem: An Advent Devotional.” This devotional centers the voices of Palestinian Christian pastors, leaders, and theologians, as well as international allies, offering reflections, art, and ways to take action.
We pray that the reflections and prayers within these Advent devotionals bring renewed inspiration, anticipation, and hope in the Kingdom of God that has come and is to come. Amen.
Devotional by: Khaled Dally
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:2 (ESV)
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?,” the magi asked Herod. A special star had appeared, signaling a king had come into the world, so it would be logical to assume this king had been born in a palace.
Yet, the magi’s question suggests they were curious: Where was this king?
From the moment of his birth until the day Jesus ascended to heaven, he turned people’s expectations upside down. The king who should have been born in a palace was instead born humble in a manger.
Through his teachings and miracles, Jesus transformed people’s understandings: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). He provided deeper spiritual insight: “You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder; and whoever murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22)
He transformed the lives of those who accepted him: sinners and wrongdoers became saints and evangelists, tax collectors began to distribute money. He fought against the enmity that existed between Jews and Samaritans, sat with sinners and outcasts considered unclean by society, and restored the dignity of women. In doing so, Jesus also restored the dignity of humanity.
He taught us how to be human in the image of God. He showed us the essence of our humanity and how we should be; who our neighbors are and how we should treat them —“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39). He taught us to act with unconditional love and mercy toward those who are marginalized and broken-hearted. He taught us to be peacemakers on this earth amidst conflicts, persecution, and injustice. To help those who are oppressed—not through violence, but through loving our enemies and praying for them so that their hearts might be changed. To strive for justice— not the justice of the world, but the justice of God that returns humanity to Him and changes hearts and souls. For He is the Lord and King of peace, justice, and mercy.
He taught us service, born from the love for our fellow human beings, and helped people to grow in faith: “He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’” (Mark 9:35). Jesus himself, the heavenly king, came to serve and save the world: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28).
In the shadow of difficult circumstances, at a time when the principles of humanity seem to have vanished and evil and injustice abound, God shines His light into the world through His faithful children who work according to His will. Those who have accepted Christ and have allowed the Holy Spirit to change and transform their lives are like the star that guided the magi to worship the living God, Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords.
Lord,
Let us be like Your son, Jesus Christ.
Let him dwell in our hearts, fill us with the abundance of his peace, and change us to walk in his ways—with love, faithfulness, and speaking the truth.
Make us like the star that leads people to You, O loving, just, and merciful God.
In Your love You sent Your only son to us and for us, so that we could be returned to You through the cross. Therefore, Lord, we raise our thanks and praise to You, who deserves all glory and honor, and we ask, Lord, that You grant us peace in this time—a peace in which humanity coexists with fellow humanity in love, supporting one another.
Amen
About Khaled Dally
Khaled Dally is completing a Bachelor degree at Bethlehem Bible College. He lives in Jerusalem where he is undergoing ordination training in the Episcopal Church.
Reflections from Bethlehem
A partnership with Red Letter Christians
Staying true to the foundation of combining Jesus and justice, Red Letter Christians mobilizes individuals into a movement of believers who live out Jesus’ counter-cultural teachings.
Learn more at redletterchristians.org or follow them on Instagram, Twitter, and Threads @redletterxians.
Click here to download the full 24-day devotional for free.
