“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;…”
“I have summoned you by name; you are mine. Do not be afraid, for I am with you;” Isaiah 43: 1 & 5
“Why did he come? He came down that we may have love, … peace, … joy.” Cameroon (Africa) Carol
As we celebrate the Baptism of Christ our Orthodox brothers and sisters, those of the Coptic Church in Egypt, Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa are celebrating Christmas (7th January). We give thanks for the insights and depth of spirituality they share with us giving differing insights into our shared faith. We pray for those suffering oppression in Egypt, Somalia and Ethiopia as well as those millions of Iraqi Christians together with many Muslims, Yazidis and other faith groups, forced to flee the barbaric violence of Islamic State fundamentalists. So many refugees are starving in Iraq, in Syria and so many other places in our beautiful shared blue planet. As you and your parents were refugees, spur us to care for our brothers and sisters who are homeless, jobless, lonely, without hope or resources – and children going barefoot and hungry, often in deep snow.
Why did you come? Lord, you came down that we may have peace. Let peace start where we are and with those around us and reach out to those in need. Lord, hear us and help us.
Lord, forgive us for misusing and twisting the wonderful truths you have revealed to us especially through the Incarnation. Help us to understand the radical re-thinking of what is powerful in your eyes, a life of love.
We give thanks for the inspired approach in Nigeria de-radicalizing Boko Haram members in prison using sport (banned by BH), simple math education and teaching them how to think for themselves and not just parrot-like repeat teachings whether religious or political. Continue to help all those working with people seduced by false messengers that truth and justice will prevail. We rejoice for all opportunities given to those who feel as though they are nothing. Help us to value each other, encourage and enable each of your children – regardless of creed, color, culture or gender – to be the best they possibly can be. We give thanks, too, for the efforts of President Obama of the US to increase the responsible ownership of guns and reduce the epidemic of killing, especially of our young people. Sometimes we find it hard to recognize the need to limit our own wishes or desires for the greater good of all, especially the voiceless.
Why did you come? Lord, you came down that we may have peace. Let peace start where we are and with those around us and reach out to those in need. Lord, hear us and help us.
A few days into a new year and already there is economic turmoil with chaos in the China market hitting global share values. Help us to make economic decisions based on justice and equity, without exploiting others less protected than ourselves so we can have greater “convenience” in food, clothes, technology, and so many areas of our lives. We give thanks that Pope Francis is fighting to abolish child labor wherever it takes place describing it as an “authentic plague” even when in Uganda some children, to pay for their schooling, are being exploited on church-owned land leased by tea companies. Help us with the complexities of life.
The news continues: different countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, representing separate strands of Islam, fight each other and seek to obtain Africa’s loyalty through trade agreements. In Libya, police recruits are bombed and murdered. China seeks to encroach on neighboring countries’ territories. Questions simmer over a possible North Korean hydrogen bomb explosion. And the routine violence against women is still a major issue in many parts of the world especially in Asia, Latin America and Africa.
Remind us of “the apocalypse of God’s love”, in Archbishop Justin Welby’s memorable phrase: the Incarnation, Love born as one of us, that totally explodes the myths supporting our cruelty towards each other rather than the challenging and life-changing as well as life-affirming choice to live according to God’s rule – of loving one another as He has and continues to love us.
Why did you come? Lord, you came down that we may have love. Let love start where we are and with those around us and reach out to those in need. As we try with your help to do this, reveal to us your joy. Lord, hear us and help us.
AMEN.
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