Christmas is not a Western story it is a Palestinian one.
Ali Ibn Abi Talib’s words remind us that no matter how far we stray from the path of righteousness, there’s always a way to return. Fortunate is the one whose own flaws keep them from judging others. Greed is like a life-long form of slavery. We often chase after things we can’t control and forget the value of making a positive impact. Death is the great equalizer, taking everyone regardless of status, wealth, or power. Yet we still long for more time, more moments, and more memories. Even as time slips away, we convince ourselves there’s always plenty left. Those claimed by death wish for more, while those who have it often squander it with excuses.Christmas is not a Western story it is a Palestinian one.The holy family of Īsā ibn Maryam (Jesus) had to escape—much like the Prophet Muhammad’s Hijra from Mecca to Medina seeking refuge.
Rev. Dr. Munther IsaacRev Dr Munther Isaac is a Palestinian pastor and theologian from Ramallah and academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College. He speaks locally and internationally and has published numerous articles on issues related to the theology of the land, Palestinian Christians and Palestinian theology, holistic mission and reconciliation. He is the author of The Other Side of the Wall, From Land to Lands, from Eden to the Renewed Earth, An Introduction to Palestinian Theology (in Arabic), a commentary on the book of Daniel (in Arabic), and more recently a book on women ordination in the church, also in Arabic. His latest book is Christ in the Rubble.Christmas is not a Western story it is a Palestinian one. https://peaceandplanetnews. Many people tend to assume, almost instinctively, that Christianity is a Western religion — a reflection of European culture, history, and identity. Christianity has always been a Middle Eastern religion, with its geography and origins deeply rooted in this region—among the peoples and languages of what is now Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Jordan—rather than anything envisioned in Europe. In the West, the celebration of Jesus’ birth has taken on a pagan flair, becoming heavily commercialized, romanticized, and wrapped in layers of lavish gift-giving that often overshadow concerns about poverty, wealth inequality, and social injustice. The season has turned into a showcase of materialism, nostalgia, and consumerism, losing much of its original theological and moral meaning. Christmas songs like Silent Night can mask the true nature of the story: Jesus was not born into peace, but into a world under violent and ruthless occupation, much like what we experience today. Jesus was born under military occupation, into a family displaced by an imperial order, in a land scarred by violence. The holy family of Īsā ibn Maryam had to escape—much like the Prophet Muhammad’s Hijra from Mecca to Medina—seeking refuge after, according to the Gospels, the infants of Bethlehem were killed by a paranoid ruler desperate to hold onto power. Sound familiar? – Greater Zionist Israel and war criminal Netanyahu. Christmas is, in many ways, a tale of power, injustice, and the fragility of everyday people swept up in its wake. Imagine Bethlehem, Pennsylvania—not the historic birthplace of Jesus—as a place surrounded by walls and checkpoints built by an occupying force. The residents live under a system of segregation, feeling cut off not only from Jerusalem, which they are forbidden to visit, but also from the outside world. Support for the regime comes from Zionist Christians and the U.S. government, providing billions of dollars and military weapons. Mary & Joseph’s journey mirrors the permits, checkpoints, and bureaucratic controls that shape daily life in Palestine today. The holy family’s flight reflects the experiences of millions of refugees who have fled wars across the region. Herod’s violence reverberates in the violence that surrounds Palestine. Christmas is, at its heart, a quintessentially Palestinian story. A message to the worldA genocide was taking place in Gaza, and as people still living in the homeland of Christmas, we couldn’t ignore it. We couldn’t celebrate the birth of Jesus while children his age were being pulled lifeless from the rubble. Celebrating this season doesn’t mean the war, genocide, ethnic cleansing or systems of apartheid have ended. Over 70,000 lives have been lost, people are still dying, and the holy land remains under siege. Our celebration is an act of resilience—a way of saying we’re still here, that Bethlehem is still the heart of Christmas, and that the story of this town will keep going. As Western political debates increasingly use Christianity as a tool for cultural identity — often shutting out the very communities where it began — it’s more important than ever to revisit the origins of this story. As you enjoy your Christmas supper or dinner, the Christian world and faith communities should truly honor the meaning of Christmas by looking beyond empty words (lip service) and focusing on Bethlehem—not the idealized image, but the real town, where people still yearn for justice, dignity, and peace. To Be Continued! The Last Will — more than just words on a page, it’s a meaningful and recommended practice in Islam. It reflects your life from cradle to grave, serving your family and guiding the next generation.
“When someone is laid to rest, three things follow them: their deeds, possessions, and family. After the burial, family and possessions return home, but deeds remain. Death is a natural part of life, not something to fear. It’s seen as a step toward a higher state of being and spiritual awakening, reminding us to live righteously. Martyrdom is regarded as a noble and honorable way to meet death. One should face it with dignity and faith, knowing that true life begins in the hereafter.” |
