Now Is The Time
Dear Friends,
The theology of Advent and the Incarnation is so revolutionary and so overwhelming that even the church fails to understand its message most of the time.
In ancient times, people would offer sacrifices—of their crops, their livestock, or even of their own children—in an attempt to restore or establish a correct relationship with their deity. In the Advent and Christmas story, however, Jesus flips this theology of sacrifice 180 degrees. It is now God who makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to restore a once-broken relationship with us, with humanity. Jesus elevates us, the people, as God’s beloved children, elevating human dignity, human rights, empathy, and compassion over callous religiosity. In Palestinian Liberation Theology, every day for us is lived in light of Christmas; human dignity and human rights always come first!
Our Palestinian people have been languishing for years under an oppressive and illegal Israeli occupation, one that has used the Bible as justification. With the support of FOSNA and other partner organizations, we have been championing the cause of justice for the Palestinian people. Help us continue in our mission to liberate religion from those who misuse it to justify oppression and dispossession.
Now is the time!
Through this Christmas Appeal, I appeal to you, our friends, to support FOSNA’s ministry so that its voice and its action for justice and liberation are strengthened and multiplied.
Thank You,
Omar Haramy, Director
Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center, Jerusalem
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, where death casts it shadow, on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:2-7)