The First Advent in Palestine

Reversals, Resistance, and the Ongoing Complexity of Hope

By: Kelley Nikondeha

Narrated by: Summer Calaway

When we picture the first Advent, we see Mary and Joseph huddled by a manger. We picture Gabriel, magi, and shepherds tending their flocks. A shining star against a midnight sky. But this harmonized version has lifted the Advent story out of its context--those who experienced the first Advent had to travel through great darkness to reach the hope that shining star announced. Trusted scholar and community organizer Kelley Nikondeha takes us back, to where the landscape of Palestine is once again the geographic, socioeconomic, and political backdrop for the Advent story.

Listening to the Advent narratives of Luke and Matthew anew, in their original context, changes so much about how we see the true story of resistance, abusive rulers and systems of oppression, and God coming to earth. In Luke, Rome and Caesar loom, and young Mary's strength and resolve shine brightly as we begin to truly understand what it meant for her to live in the tumultuous Galilee region. In Matthew, through Joseph's point of view, we see the brutality of Herod's rule and how the complexities of empire weighed heavily on the Holy Family. We bear witness to the economic hardship of Nazareth, Bethlehem, and the many villages in between--concerns about daily bread, crushing debt, land loss, and dispossession that ring a familiar echo to our modern ears. Throughout her explorations, Nikondeha features the stories of modern-day Palestinians, centering their voices to help us meet an Advent recognizable for today. This thought-provoking examination invites us into a season of discovery, one that is realistic and honest, and that still wonders at the goodness of God's grace.

©2022 Kelley Nikondeha (P)2025 Kelley Nikondeha

Powerful

Looking at advent through the times of Jesus and ironically the times of today. It’s very Powerful to connect.

mehh

I found it a bit underwhelming. Seems like the author has some interesting stories about people she has met and wants to share her perspective so perhaps a book about that would be best separate from an "advent" book. I don't see biblical evidence for much of the book. The author reads into scripture in a way that I don't enjoy nor find true. It was an okay read but snot something I'd recommend as an advent book.