“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
Ministry can be messy because people are messy. We are imperfect, and so are those we serve. The messiness becomes even more evident in times of war and displacement that have plagued the Middle East for so long. Visiting families are crammed into small apartments after being forced to flee their homes on short notice, exposing us to the raw realities of life — its suffering, hardship, and pain.
This is especially true for children, whose dreams have been shattered and whose futures are uncertain. While we hope for them to build core memories as they grow, many will be haunted by gore memories.
Caring for others requires stepping into the messiness of their lives. It’s about walking alongside them in their pain, showing them the love of Christ, and actively listening to their stories. It is a draining journey, but one we are called to bear in love and care.
Jesus understood that better than anyone. He knew the challenges he would face, yet he still chose to enter into our brokenness. The world he came to serve was often ungrateful, and so will be responses to our ministry. We do not serve for the accolades or applause, but to reflect the love and grace we’ve already received in Jesus. We do it for him.
This is what Christmas is all about. It marks the moment when God broke into our sinful, dark world to bring light and salvation. Christmas is the dawn of a new age — the inbreaking of the Light into the darkness.
A street mural near the Central District in Beirut, Lebanon. (Brian Kaylor/Word&Way)
As we celebrate the first coming of Christ, our hearts yearn for his second coming, when he will make all things new and restore all that is broken.
I would like to conclude with a short poem titled “Come, Lord Jesus” that I wrote for this Christmas:
In this region, two centuries ago, You came in weakness and made yourself low. In love, you walked the path of pain, To bring redemption through your name. While humanity perseveres in its rebellion, And seeks to build its own dominion, Soon, O Lord, the skies will part, As we see you come in glory, strength, and might. To bring justice, peace, and make things right. Until then we wait in hope, our eyes on you, Trusting in your promise to make all things new. We ask that you use us afresh, make us instruments of grace, As we spread your love and mercy in every place. Until you come, we watch and pray: Come, Lord Jesus, come today.
Wissam Nasrallah is the new president of Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Mansourieh, Lebanon.
NOTE: This is part of our Unsettling Advent devotionals running Dec. 1-Dec. 24. You can subscribe for free and receive them each morning in your inbox.
