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All year long we wait for the season of Advent, anticipating the celebration of the arrival of Jesus. During the weeks of Advent, we are pleased to offer a devotional reflection that draws on the four themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. We hope you’ll be encouraged and reminded of the God who is with us, Emmanuel. In addition, we invite you to support the work of CCDA, and hope you’ll consider giving generously during this season.
December 6: Peace
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let you hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
Although scripture foretold the coming of the messiah in the form of a child, the people of Israel were expecting a powerful king who would come with renown and splendor and deliver them from the oppressive Roman rule. Instead, the zeal of the Lord Almighty accomplishes peace through the birth of a baby, born not in a royal palace or among the cultural elite, but to an unwed teenage mom whose infant’s first bed was an animal’s feeding trough. Shortly thereafter Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus are on the run from the violent pursuit of Herod, seeking refuge in Egypt. In this unexpected arrival, we have a powerful image of God entering into our midst. The almighty God who measured the waters and marked off the heavens meets us in the tumult of our world.
Jesus’ arrival is a subversive and humble act, setting the stage for a life and ministry that would be marked by being with the poorest of the poor, seeking out the marginalized. He is seen and heard by the poor because of his humble beginnings. Jesus enters our midst as a Prince of Peace, as God-in-flesh who in his very being is with us. Throughout the life and ministry of Jesus, we see his insistence on both justice and peace. Jesus’ presence and work was a disruption of the powers and principalities of his day, yet his radical siding with the poor and oppressed is continually worked out in peace. In the gospel of John, Jesus promises his peace––a peace that transcends the circumstantial peace of the world and stills the troubled and fearful heart.
In the chaotic moments of our days or of our neighborhoods, may we remember that God is with us. May this truth bring the deep, abiding peace we so desperately long for.
An Opportunity To Bring Peace
As an association, our members are seeking to live out the peace of Christ in their neighborhoods. Join us, as we seek to embody the peace of God who enters our midst. Make an online donation today as we bear witness to the peace of Christ in our communities. Text “CCDA” to 77977 to support our mission in a few easy steps. Checks can be sent to 3827 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago, IL 60623.
Thank you for your passion to bring peace, wholeness, and shalom to marginalized communities.
