While many are familiar with Bethlehem as the little town in the story of Jesus’ birth, not as many may think of the present day city of Bethlehem. A group of young adults in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and the ELCJHL (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land) thought to change this. They put together a series called Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine involving weekly videos and blog posts using the hashtag #AdventInPalestine. In this first week of Advent, we hear from The Rev. Ashraf Tannous, pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Beit Jala, Palestine – outside Bethlehem. Rev. Tannous talks about what the first Advent candle – hope – means to him as a Christian and as a Palestinian.
Over the four weeks of Advent, we will be led on a virtual pilgrimage through story, education and theological reflection. You can register here to receive resources, including weekly videos and blog posts via email. Or search for #adventinpalestine in your favorite social media app!