John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
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, occupying Romans. 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. What an unexpected, yet powerful image of God entering into our midst!
His coming 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 physicality is with and for. In the chaotic moments of our days, or of our neighborhoods, may we remember that God is with and for us. May that truth bring the deep, abiding peace we so desperately need.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
As an association, so many of our members are seeking to live out the peace of Christ in their neighborhoods. Join with us, as we seek to embody the peace of a God who enters into our midst. Consider donating to CCDA today, as we bear witness to the peace of Christ in our communities.
Emmanuel,
Our world waits in darkness longing for Your light.
In the midst of darkness, rekindle our hope.
As we long for lasting peace in the midst of war,
Be with us.
As we long for families to be reunited, Be with us.
As we long for enemies to be reconciled, Be with us.
As we long for cures and healings, Be with us.
As we long for decent jobs and economic security,
Be with us.
As we long for justice and racial equality, Be with us.
As we long for love and community, Be with us.
Fulfill the deepest longings of your people and
Dispel the darkness in our hearts
and in our world.
Let your Word ignite the hope the world needs
to bring to life your love and justice.
Amen.
