Katie Wells, long-time friend and advocate of Hands at Work, reflects on the Advent season.
As Christmas is approaching, I find myself taking more time to reflect on the gift of peace and hope that was first brought to earth in Bethlehem. Jesus didn't come in riches and power but was born into poverty and humility. Throughout his life he demonstrated his heart for those who are suffering, for the poor and marginalised. He came to bring good news to the poor and peace on earth.
But this ‘peace on earth’ can feel so elusive; I feel the weight of the evil and suffering in our world. I know that in the communities Hands at Work is serving across Africa there are deep levels of pain and injustice. Children, widows and grannies who I know by name are being crushed by extreme poverty, are vulnerable to natural disasters and conflict, and are at risk of being abused and exploited. Our world is broken and peace feels so far away.
God looked upon humanity, his creation, and knew the only solution to our brokenness was to send himself. Jesus Christ was God in the flesh. He came in a completely unexpected way, as a servant, in order to bring peace in the most needed way. The brokenness you see around you in the world isn’t just outside you. That same brokenness is inside you too. God saw that each person was born in rebellion of their creator, desiring to be the lord of their own life. God knew that this was humanity's greatest need, and that the only way to bring us back as his children was through giving up his own life in complete sacrificial love. This act of love allowed a miraculous transformation; we can have peace with God and we have been adopted as his sons and daughters.
Only when we receive peace with God through Jesus Christ do we have any hope of living in peace with each other. And if we follow the example of Christ, can we as children of God be a part of bringing peace this Christmas? So often we get caught up in the gifts, baking, decorating and concerts, but I am challenging myself to step back from the busyness and quieten myself to be near to the one who gives peace, Jesus Christ. And find ways that I can sacrificially, at a cost to my own selfishness, bring light to those who I know are hurting, following the example I have seen lived out by the Care Workers, who bring the peace of Christ to broken families through deep relationships, giving of their time, being a voice for them, and serving in humility.
I want to challenge you too, to be a part of bringing peace this Christmas. Will you stand on behalf of a community that you know and pray for children by name? Can you share the stories of these families and children with your own families and children when you are together this Christmas? Can you take time to reflect on what the brokenness and suffering of others means to you personally, and what role you need to play in it? Can you reflect on the generosity that Jesus has shown to us and how he calls his followers to outrageous generosity? You can be a part of this bigger story.
Peace is never found in a place, but in the person of Christ.
Merry Christmas. May we be a part of bringing peace to others this year.