By Usama Nicola, Bethlehem Palestine

Jesus Christ stands at the very heart of the Christian faith. His teachings emphasizing love, tolerance, and forgiveness call believers not only to love their neighbors but even their enemies. According to Christian doctrine, these teachings open the door to salvation and reconciliation with God, shaping both spiritual life and social ethics. Yet, during the Christmas season, questions about the earthly identity and nationality of Jesus resurface, especially on social media. Articles and posts debate whether Jesus was “Palestinian,” challenge the narrative by claiming the name “Palestine” became official only in 135 AD under Roman rule, or insist on separating Jesus from contemporary regional claims. But in truth, what matters most is not the earthly Jesus’ national label but the application of His message of radical love and reconciliation.

The region where Jesus was born, ministered, crucified, and rose has been known by many names throughout history Canaan, Philistia, Israel, Judea, and Palestine. It has always been a crossroads of peoples, faiths, and empires. Palestinians today take cultural and spiritual pride in considering Jesus Christ one of their own. This reflects the deep historical and emotional ties between the land, its people, and the traditions that have shaped its identity.     

The words of Saint John Chrysostom remind us that the gospel is not bound by geography or politics: “A voice crying out in the wilderness, proclaiming the word of truth… Salvation is the way, the truth, and the life, the bright morning star and the sun of righteousness.” Such a vision transcends all boundaries and controversies.

The Bible itself affirms the presence of the Philistines and other peoples in the land during the days of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and later. For example, Genesis 21: 34 states, “And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.” This makes it clear that our patriarch Abraham migrated and lived among the Philistines a people with their own king and kingdom. Similarly, Gen 26: 1 tells us that Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines at Gerar, showing the Philistines’ recognized leadership and territory.

Even Exodus acknowledges the land of the Philistines: Exodus 13: 17 says, “God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near…” Thus, the biblical narrative does not erase the presence or legitimacy of the Philistines/Palestinians. Rather, it affirms their real place in the land’s history long before Roman use of the term “Palestine” in 135 AD.

The prophetic text of Amos 9: 7 offers a decisive insight: “Did I not bring Israel up from the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Caphtor…?” This passage recognizes both Israel and the Philistines as peoples with origins, migrations, and histories under God’s sovereign hand. Here, “Israel” is understood not as a nation-state, but as a religious community. Likewise, the Palestinians (Philistines) are acknowledged as a people by Scripture itself. Their presence is neither accidental nor foreign; their story is woven into the biblical fabric alongside Israel’s. Whoever denies the existence of the Palestinians contradicts the very text of Scripture.

Modern Israel is not the same as biblical Israel. The modern state is a nation-state, established in 1948 through a political movement. Biblical Israel, by contrast, is a spiritual and covenantal reality a people called to justice, humility, and compassion, rooted in God’s promises and divine covenant. Even today, some Orthodox Jewish communities continue to oppose Zionism, believing that the true restoration of Israel can only come through divine will, not human intervention. Recognizing this distinction is crucial: faith in God’s Word is not determined by political slogans, media campaigns, or contemporary pressures. Biblical truth is immutable, and history cannot be rewritten by shouting or accusations.

The New Testament places the ultimate focus not on land or politics, but on the person and work of Jesus Christ. He transcends all human divisions, reconciling Jew and Gentile, Palestinian and Israeli, in one body through the cross (Ephesians 2: 14). Our task as followers of Christ is to live out His teachings love, truth, justice, and reconciliation regardless of the shifting narratives of nations and media.

Incarnation… God enters history in Jesus, embracing the land and all its peoples.

Covenant… God’s promise extends to all who trust Him, not only to those defined by ethnicity or geography.

Philistines/Palestinians… Recognized as a people with a legitimate place in God’s providence.

True Christian faith is rooted in God’s unchanging Word, attested by Scripture and history alike. The biblical narrative honors the diversity and dignity of all peoples including those called Palestinians. Our hope is not in land or nationality, but in Jesus Christ, who calls all to love, justice, and reconciliation. “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2: 14).

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About the Author

Usama is a Palestinian civil society activist, husband, and father of three, rooted in the ancient and resilient city of Bethlehem. He brings together his love for people, justice, and faith in everything he does. His writing flows from the lived realities of Palestinians under occupation, grounded in both hope and heartbreak, and carried by a deep commitment to human dignity and spiritual reflection.

Bethlehem the city where heaven met earth is not only Usama’s birthplace, but also the heart of his mission. For him, it is a sacred place where history, struggle, and faith meet; a city that teaches him daily about rootedness, resistance, and radical love. His stories rise from this soil, offering readers an invitation to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and act justly.

Through his Patreon page, Usama shares regular reflections, updates from Bethlehem, and spiritual insights, building a global circle of solidarity and learning. His hope is to warm hearts, challenge comfort, and remind people everywhere that even in places of sorrow, life still grows.

Support Usama’s writing ministry and family by subscribing to Bethlehem Updates as a generous supporter.