Dear Friends,
Carols, cookies, lights. Calendars with mystery surprises on the other side of 24 tiny doors, and the lighting of candles on the wreath. This season holds much celebration and tradition. My family and I love all of it. Advent and Christmas are our favorite times of year.
Advent begins the Christian Liturgical Year in the West, a practice of intentionally waiting for and anticipating the birth of Jesus. As we light the four candles in the weeks before Christmas, churches worldwide will reflect on the themes of Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love before culminating with the lighting of the Christ candle.
When I think about our global workers and ministry partners, I rejoice with those who have celebrated sweet gifts of new life this year—the desire for baptism from a new first-generation believer, the birth of a grandchild, a church planted.
However, this season can also be immersed in pain, loss, anger, and fear, with loved ones walking a path in the shadow of death in so many ways—deaths of people, dreams, hopes, and plans. I am acutely aware of the heartache that often hides behind all the decorative lights and cheer. Certain sobering pleas for prayer still echo in my mind from this year:
“Angry rioters are roaming the streets burning churches. We are locked inside, praying they pass us by.”
“The floods are the worst they’ve been in the history of our country. Hundreds of people from our churches have lost their homes. Please pray for us!”
“The bombings, destruction, death… everyone has been traumatized.”
“My father passed away unexpectedly.”
“My daughter has cancer.”
Advent’s Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love? Can they really experience that in the midst of so much uncertainty?
But then, that’s exactly how and why our Savior came.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Jesus came into our fear, uncertainty, pain, and humanity as Emmanual, God with us, to dwell and walk with us in every situation. He knows us and turns our eyes toward His work at the cross and resurrection. And we anticipate His return.
In John 14:27, we read the words of Jesus speaking over his disciples before going to the cross: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
The word for peace often used in scripture is Shalom, which means more than just an absence of conflict, but implies a wholeness and healing of brokenness (learn more at the Bible Project).
The trials and turmoil in this world and in our lives are not surprising to the Lord. Christ also said, in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” And He has overcome. Emmanuel came.
- He answered those prayers for the rioters to pass by and kept our workers safe.
- The flood waters receded, and through the International Disaster Relief Fund, the EPC provided housing materials and meals for hundreds of families.
- Ongoing trauma care and relief continues in war-torn Lebanon.
- A daughter is in remission.
There are other scenarios where we still wait or sense the darkness. Even so, it is not without light because He is with us. The gospel continues to go forth as His church endures, grows, and bears fruit.
May we look to Christ to be our peace while we both praise Him and wait on Him. May we experience the restoration and Shalom of Christ in our lives. May we work together in the bringing of that Shalom to others.
I pray His Peace, Hope, Joy, and Love fill you in deeper ways this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
Gabriel de Guia
Executive Director
EPC World Outreach
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