Isaiah 9:2-7 • Psalm 96 • Titus 2:11-14 • Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)
Reflecting on the profound significance of Christ’s birth, particularly within the context of Bethlehem, invites us to contemplate not just a historical event but a divine intervention that forever changed the course of humanity.
Bethlehem, a humble town, was chosen as the birthplace of the Savior, a place almost overlooked by the grand empires of its time. Yet it is here, in this small and quiet setting, that the most powerful act of love and humility unfolded. Jesus, the Son of God, entered the world not with earthly grandeur but in simplicity, disrupting human expectations of power and influence. His birth heralded the dawn of a new era, one in which worldly values and structures were turned upside down.
Bethlehem, a humble town, was chosen as the birthplace of the Savior, a place almost overlooked by the grand empires of its time. Yet it is here, in this small and quiet setting, that the most powerful act of love and humility unfolded.
Jesus’ coming brought transformation, not only spiritually, but socially and relationally. Through the hope that Jesus brought forward, the weak were empowered, the lowly were exalted, and the marginalized were given hope. This inversion of earthly standards still speaks to us today. The world often glorifies power, wealth, and status, yet Christ chose to uplift those on the fringes—shepherds were the first to receive the good news, and the manger, not a throne, was His cradle. In this way, His incarnation became the foundation of an eternal kingdom, one built not on human merit but on grace, mercy, and divine love. The light that dawned in Bethlehem continues to shine, illuminating the darkness of the human heart and calling all to experience true transformation.
The world often glorifies power, wealth, and status, yet Christ chose to uplift those on the fringes—shepherds were the first to receive the good news, and the manger, not a throne, was His cradle.
The serene scene of Bethlehem’s hills evokes a sense of peace, yet the silence holds within it the powerful reminder of God’s redemptive work. While the world may have moved on in its busyness, those who pause to reflect on this birth are drawn into its eternal significance. Christ’s incarnation wasn’t just an event of the past—it is a living reality, continuing to inspire and change lives today. He remains the beacon of hope for all who are weary and burdened, offering the promise of rest, renewal, and restoration.
As I reflected on the “glimmers of light” over Bethlehem, I considered how this light represents not just the physical illumination of the town but the spiritual light Christ brought into the world—a light that dispels darkness and offers new life. His kingdom advances not through earthly conquest but through love, humility, and sacrifice. This profound truth echoes through history, inviting us to join in the ongoing work of transformation, lifting up the lowly and strengthening the weak in His name. As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, the light shines into our world. These readings remind us of a deep, transformative hope that enters history in a time of oppression. As we meditate on the story of Christ’s birth, we see not only a celebration of God’s love but also a challenge to the systems of power and domination that deny the fullness of life for many. As we open our hearts to the Christ who brings freedom—not only spiritually, but in every aspect of our lives, may we ask ourselves how the birth of Jesus continues to challenge the systems of empire, oppression, and injustice that still affect many today, particularly in the Middle East region.
As we open our hearts to the Christ who brings freedom—not only spiritually, but in every aspect of our lives, may we ask ourselves how the birth of Jesus continues to challenge the systems of empire, oppression, and injustice that still affect many today, particularly in the Middle East region.
Isaiah 9:2-7: The Light Breaking into Darkness
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…” (Isaiah 9:2).
In the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, the people of Israel were oppressed by foreign powers. This passage speaks of a coming Messiah, a child who will bring light and joy to a world filled with despair. This light is not just an abstract hope, but a concrete promise of justice, peace, and freedom. Further, this prophecy challenges us to see the birth of Jesus as more than just a spiritual event. It speaks to oppressed people today—those living under political, economic, and cultural domination. Jesus comes as the Prince of Peace to break the yoke of oppression, to overturn unjust systems, and to bring strength and value to the marginalized. His kingdom is not of empire, but of justice and righteousness.
Psalm 96: Singing a New Song
“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth…” (Psalm 96:1).
Psalm 96 is a call to worship, a declaration that God reigns over all creation. Yet this proclamation takes on profound meaning when we consider the historical context of oppressed peoples. In a world where empires claim absolute power, this Psalm declares that it is God who reigns, not Caesar or any earthly ruler.
In a world where empires claim absolute power, this Psalm declares that it is God who reigns, not Caesar or any earthly ruler.
The call to “sing a new song” is an invitation to imagine a new reality, one in which the empires of the world do not have the final word. For oppressed communities, singing to the Lord is an act of declaration that their identity, worth, and future are not defined by the powers that oppress them but by the God of justice. In Christ’s birth, we have a new song of hope and restoration for all creation.
For oppressed communities, singing to the Lord is an act of declaration that their identity, worth, and future are not defined by the powers that oppress them but by the God of justice. In Christ’s birth, we have a new song of hope and restoration for all creation.
Titus 2:11-14: The Grace of God that Brings salvation
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people…” (Titus 2:11).
Paul’s letter to Titus declares that the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. This is not a selective salvation for the powerful or privileged, but a universal offer of grace that reaches beyond social, economic, and ethnic boundaries. This grace is deeply subversive. It dismantles the hierarchies established by oppressors, calling all people to live as a redeemed community of equals. The “blessed hope” that Paul speaks of is not just an expectation of spiritual salvation, but the restoration of dignity and justice for all who are oppressed.
As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, we recognize that His incarnation is the embodiment of God’s grace—grace that liberates from both spiritual and worldly powers of domination. Jesus’ life and ministry would go on to challenge the systems of the Roman Empire, offering a radical alternative vision of community marked by love, equality, and justice.
Luke 2:1-14, (15-20): The Birth of a Subversive King
“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” (Luke 2:10).
The familiar story of Jesus’ birth is filled with political tension. It begins with a decree from Caesar Augustus, a reminder that Jesus was born under the shadow of Roman occupation. The census itself was a tool of empire, a way to control and tax peoples. Yet in this moment of imperial power, something revolutionary happens: a child is born, not in a palace, but in a manger; not to the elite, but to poor, marginalized parents. I went down the stairs that historically lead to the manger where historically it is thought Jesus was birthed and was reminded again of how much of it truly is a lowly place.
The angels announce the birth of Jesus, not to the rulers, but to shepherds—lowly workers who symbolize the dispossessed. The “good news” of Jesus’ birth is a direct challenge to the status quo, declaring that the true King has come to bring peace on earth, not through conquest or domination, but through humility, service, and sacrificial love. This story resonates deeply with those who continue to live under unjust systems. Jesus’ birth signals the beginning of a new world order—one where the last will be first, where the marginalized are lifted up, and where the kingdoms of this world are turned upside down by the kingdom of God.
The “good news” of Jesus’ birth is a direct challenge to the status quo, declaring that the true King has come to bring peace on earth, not through conquest or domination, but through humility, service, and sacrificial love.
Closing Reflection: Living the Christmas Story Today
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus this year, let us remember that His coming was not just a spiritual event but a radical disruption of the powers of His day. His birth, life, and ministry speak to the oppressed, the marginalized, and those longing for justice.
In our world today, many still live under the shadows of empire—whether through political domination, economic exploitation, or cultural marginalization. The message of Christmas is that God has come into this world to stand with the oppressed, to bring light to those in darkness, and to proclaim a kingdom where justice and peace reign. How can we be bearers of Christ’s light in a world still marred by the darkness of injustice? As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us commit ourselves to living out His radical love in our communities and in the world. Because our Savior was born in our land, because he proclaimed signs, miracles and wonders in our land, and because He lives in us through His Spirit, we can be assured that we can have hope in Him.
Prayer:
God of justice and peace, we thank You for the gift of Jesus, born into our world to bring hope, healing, and repair. As we celebrate your birth tonight, fill us with the courage to resist systems of injustice and oppression. Help us to be Your hands and feet in the world, bringing Your light into the darkness, and proclaiming the good news of Your kingdom. Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Grace Al-Zoughbi Arteen is a Palestinian theological educator, with expertise in Arab women in theological education. After several years on faculty at Bethlehem Bible College, including as head of the Biblical Studies Department, she is assistant professor at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, and is the accreditation officer of the Middle East and North Africa Association for Theological Accreditation. Grace also serves as Review Secretary for the European Council of Theological Education. She holds a PhD in theological education from London School of Theology. She is the author of numerous articles as well as the Esther Commentary of The Arabic Contemporary Christian Commentary. Grace is married to Rev. Michael Arteen, and together they serve God’s kingdom in the Middle East region.
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