Sabeel Wave of Prayer – Week of Dec. 8, 2025
On the third week of Advent on 14 December, churches around the world will light up the third candle of Advent. Otherwise known as the Shepherd Candle, this third candle of Advent reflects the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival.
Word Incarnate, like Elizabeth in the presence of Mary’s womb, we are filled with joy at your arrival despite all our suffering, for your incarnation is good news for the oppressed and the poor. Help us deepen our encounter with you this Christmas through the steadfast and joyous work of making the world anew.
Lord in your mercy… hear our prayer
December 3rd was International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Before the war on Gaza, people with disabilities already constituted 2.1% of the total population of Palestine. This percentage has sharply increased due to the violence inflicted on Palestinians whether inside prisons or through weapons and settler violence. In Gaza, persons with disabilities suffer the most, lacking access to basic tools they need, and as a result, they face immense difficulty reaching aid or following evacuation orders.
Immanuel, in a world that renders people with disabilities invisible, especially Palestinians maimed and disabled by the violence of empire, we proclaim that you see us and are with us. Help us to be more inclusive and act in solidarity with all who are living with disabilities. We pray for the day that every person can live a life of dignity and freedom in their own land.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
For the first time in two years, the Christmas tree was lit up in Bethlehem. Many Palestinians gathered to watch the lighting. Bethlehem mayor Maher Canawati said the lighting of the Christmas tree in Bethlehem was a message of hope for Palestinians, to Gaza and to the world. The mayor also shared a message sent to Bethlehem by Pope Leo XIV, who said he “carries Bethlehem in his heart and prayers and is working for an end to Palestinian suffering”, urging people in Gaza “not to give in to despair.”
Holy God, as we witness the lighting of the Christmas tree in the place of your birth, we meditate on the mystery, revolution, and hope of the Christmas story that proclaims liberation for the oppressed. In the face of overwhelming death today, teach us how to faithfully hold onto your promise of liberation and life.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
Israel is moving to seize parts of Sebastia, a major Palestinian archaeological site near Nablus and one of the places where John the Baptist was buried after his execution by the empire of his time. Settlers recently erected a new outpost to support this takeover, and earlier this year the government began archaeological excavations as part of a plan to turn the site into an Israeli tourist settlement.
God of the oppressed, we continue to pray for an end to the military occupation and the land-confiscation policies of the Israeli government. We lift up the community of Sebastia and all villages facing displacement and dispossession.
Lord, in your mercy… hear our prayer
Sabeel is hosting its annual ecumenical Christmas dinner on 20th December, 2025 at Terra Sancta Parish Center.
Lord God, we thank you for the staff and community of Sabeel who work tirelessly as agents of your love and unity, insisting on hope amidst immense suffering. We pray for the success of the Christmas dinner and for all efforts to uplift our communities.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer
We join the World Council of Churches in their prayers for the people of Myanmar and Thailand.
Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers