Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus’ birth, as well as the great anticipation of his return. In 2020, it seems that we are in a very different world this year than the last. From pandemic, to protests, to police violence, and an overall weary and uncertain world… this Advent season provides us an opportunity to sit and reflect on the year that we have experienced, and to rest in the truth of God’s promises.
At CBM, we have created a set of Advent resources for you just for that purpose. This year, 5 writers have contributed a personal Advent reflection, selected a piece of visual art, as well as written a personal and responsive prayer for your use this Advent season.
WEEK ONE
WRITTEN BY
Julia Bowering
Working with the International Partnerships team, Julia is responsible for assessing needs, designing programs and monitoring and evaluating international projects at CBM. Her expertise in strategic planning, capacity building and leadership development is a great asset to CBM and its network of global partners.
“The Potters Hands” by Katharine Taylor
The Generosity of Hope - written by Julia Bowering
“O that you would tear open the heavens and come down…”. I wonder if your heart, like mine, has beat with the rhythms of this prayer as we watched the events of this year unfold? We heard of families in India struggling to feed their children during the lockdown, women in Bolivia trapped inside for months with abusive husbands, the neglect of the elderly in many Canadian facilities, the explosion in Beirut and the ugliness of racism being unveiled in our communities, our institutions and our own hearts. And of course, we have held our personal grief deep in our bones as we struggled to respond to so much calamity. Oh Lord. Have mercy. Come.
Contrary to the cheery glow our culture associates with the month leading up to Christmas, the Christian tradition has always made space for aching hearts and weary souls in the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth. The traditional passages chosen for this week of Advent resound with a heart-cry for the presence of God in times of suffering. Instead of the forced optimism we often mistake for hope, our faith makes room for hope that flickers alongside tears. Hope that struggles, like a pale green point, to emerge from ashes. Hope that mysteriously multiplies in the dark places and hope that invites us into abundance and generosity in landscapes of scarcity.
This cry, recorded by the prophet Isaiah, comes from such a place. After years of living in Babylonian captivity, a faithful remnant of Israelites had returned home to Jerusalem only to find a reality that did not match the dazzling promises God had made to them. Where was the restoration that they longed for? Where was the God that had revealed his power and presence to their ancestors? In the face of crisis, the Israelites acknowledged that they had come to the end of their own resources. Confessing the many ways they had fallen short they appealed to the only thing that remained: The generous grace of their Father and source of their hope.
During our CBM staff chapel in August, we lamented with our colleagues in Lebanon about the increasingly difficult economic, health and political situation in the country. Together we prayed for restoration. A few hours later, the Beirut explosion obliterated much of the city along with many lives. Elie Haddad, CBM Team Leader of the MENA region writes, “The question that keeps lingering in our minds is: Where is God in all of this? Where is God in this senseless pain and preventable suffering?… “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen?””1 Looking at the rubble, Elie points to the ways God has answered that question. “I can see God in the goodness of countless Lebanese who took to the streets to clean, help, feed, and comfort the distressed.” He also sees God in the transformation of the Lebanese church from a quiet observer in times of crisis to a responsive, frontline expression of Jesus’ love. And finally, Elie points to God’s love, poured out in prayer, donations and care from partners around the world. In a context of great scarcity, the abundant generosity of God has been revealed and hope continues to grow.
The image of the Saviour at the core of this passage is an ordinary potter. It is the image of an artist who transforms clay – dirt – into beautiful serving dishes. It is the image of our hope and our invitation into abundance and generosity.
As we prepare our hearts for the birth of Christ this year, there is space to cry out in lament for all that has been lost. Things are not as they ought to be. We are not as we ought to be. And yet, we do not live in scarcity. Our generous Creator takes our broken pieces and forms us into beautiful vessels capable of great generosity in times of crisis. Flickering hope is fanned into bright flame.
Prayer:
Creator, we long for you to make all things new. Our hearts and spirits are weary after the year we have walked through. The horizon ahead is unclear and we cannot always see what you are doing.
Yet because of your generous grace and love, our hope is not lost in the dirt and dust. We are the clay and you are our potter. We trust our lives and our world to your artist hands.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Listen to Julia’s Liturgy
Watch Julia on CBM Calling
WEEK TWO
WRITTEN BY
Carla Nelson
Based in Canada, Carla works with CBM’s International Partnerships team and Field Staff serving in Africa. Carla works alongside Africa Team Leader André Sibomana in supporting CBM’s initiatives, strengthening our educational programs with partners internationally and exploring new educational opportunities
“El Salvador killed more than 75,000″
The Generosity of Peace - written by Carla Nelson
“A gift is not truly a gift if something is expected in return, unless of course, the gift is peace.” Unfortunately, the author’s name was not included in the photograph of this slogan which was prominently displayed at a yard sale. Still, it helps me to understand what Monseñor Oscar Romero meant when he spoke the following words in his sermon on Epiphany Sunday in January 1978.
Peace is not the product of terror or fear.
Peace is not the silence of cemeteries.
Peace is not the silent result of violent repression.
Peace is the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.
Peace is dynamism.
Peace is generosity.
It is right and it is duty.
Archbishop Oscar Romero spoke out on behalf of the poor and oppressed people of El Salvador in the 1970s and 1980s before he was shot to death while preaching, calling Christians, even Christian soldiers, to obey God’s higher order of peacebuilding. The mural pictured here represents the important role Romero and the church played in the Salvadoran struggle for peace.
But we are in the Season of Advent, not Epiphany. Perhaps this is the point. The Season of Advent anticipates the Celebration of Epiphany when we fully acknowledge the revelation of God incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ – God’s full disclosure of Himself to us, with us and at work amongst us. How will the world know this truth? Monseñor Romero declares that it is through God’s children’s generous and dutiful acts of peace for the sake of others – “the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all.”
The significance of my “duty” to daily practice the discipline of generous peace contributions has recently come through the work of my CBM colleague, Rev. Gato Munyamasoko. He drew my attention to Matthew 5:9 which says that it is through our generous practices of peace that we “will be called children of God.”
Rev. Munyamasoko has been developing a curriculum resource, a series of twelve modules, to help followers of Christ live out this mandate. I have been working alongside him, virtually, (as he is currently living in Gisenyi, Rwanda), editing, referencing, clarifying, wondering, confessing, embracing and formatting the learning he desires to share with African countries through Christ followers there.
The curriculum resource is rooted in Rev. Gato’s life experience as a child of God called to foster peace and reconciliation. Born of Rwandan refugee parents in the Congo and influenced by the Canadian Baptist peacebuilding ministry of Rev. João Matwawana, Gato started a peacebuilding program in the Association of Baptist Churches in Rwanda (AEBR). The focus was to help people to be healed from trauma, specifically, the trauma resulting from the genocide. With the support of CBM in 2012, the peacebuilding program expanded to Kenya with CBM partners and also in the Congo.
Throughout the years, the learning he has been privileged to receive has exposed him to many books by many authors on the many facets of peace and reconciliation. He is grateful for these opportunities and they have given him even more passion and experience to see the children of God engage in the daily discipline of peacebuilding.
Today, he continues to pursue his passion for peacebuilding and reconciliation. CBM has made it possible for him to return to the Congo to accompany the Baptist Community in East Congo (CEBCE) in their process of reunification after 21 years of division. And, CBM has encouraged him to author these modules that they may be a resource to the church in Africa.
God does indeed work through his people, people like Gato Munyamasoko, Oscar Romero and even you and me. It is through peace, the “the generous, tranquil contribution of all to the good of all” that we will be recognized as God’s children.
Personal Prayer
Generous God, it is my deepest desire to be your child – to be called as such by you and to be known as such by others. You have told me that for this to be so, I must be a person who practices peace.
Forgive me for the many moments in which I missed the opportunity to be generous in my peace-giving.
Open my eyes to see when the gift of peace is mine for the offering.
Soften my spirit that I may relinquish that part of me that deems another as not being worthy of the gift of peace.
Make my words full of your peace-giving intent and design my actions that you, the Prince of Peace, may be made flesh again and again and again.
All for your glory, Amen.
Listen to Carla’s Liturgy
Watch Carla on CBM Calling
WEEK THREE
WRITTEN BY
Sonya Tetley
As a Regional Representative, Sonya’s role includes strengthening existing relationships and creating new connections with churches in Ontario and Quebec. Her ministry includes fueling the church’s passion for integral mission through CBM’s programs and engagement in strategic partnerships.
“The Baptism of Jesus” by Mike Moyers
The Generosity of Joy - written by Sonya Tetley
In the following artwork by Mike Moyers, we see the feet of Jesus exiting the waters following his Baptism. The painting reveals a blurred reflection of his silhouette, but the central focus of the painting is on Jesus’s feet. When I first saw this piece, I was intrigued that the artist chose to focus on this. So many traditional pieces of art typically show a dove descending from heaven or John himself lifting Jesus out of the waters of Baptism.
This piece of art invites the viewer to contemplate the magnitude of the call following this moment.
In our scripture reading today we read John the Baptist’s own reflection on his ministry and that of the coming Messiah.
John 1:6-8, 19-28
1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
1:7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
1:8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
1:19 This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
1:20 He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”
1:21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.”
1:22 Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
1:23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,'” as the prophet Isaiah said.
1:24 Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.
1:25 They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
1:26 John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know,
1:27 the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”
1:28 This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
John the Baptist knew his one and only call was to prepare God’s people for the coming Messiah. He chose a life of obscurity, living in the wilderness in isolation. He survived off the land and lived in utter simplicity. What drew people to this man? He didn’t draw them with riches, power and great earthly authority. In the eyes of common man, he seemed nothing more than a zealous hermit; and yet people were drawn to hear him teach and to be baptized by him. What did he offer that led people to come into the wilderness to seek this baptism of repentance? We can easily gloss over this passage, not really putting into perspective that a sovereign spiritual revival was taking place among God’s people.
As we prepare our hearts to enter this Christmas season, in what ways are we in need of spiritual renewal? In this long season of isolation, change and uncertainty, have we faithfully kept our eyes centered on our living hope? Has uncertainty, discouragement and fear robbed us of the joy we have in Christ Jesus?
John understood that repentance was the foundation to prepare God’s people to receive the Messiah. As we reflect on God’s greatest gift to mankind, perhaps it is time that we also ask God to refresh and renew both our love and passion for him. May we repent of any apathy in this season and ask God to renew our vision and call to bring the Hope of Jesus to a hurting and broken world.
Just as John the Baptist had a role in preparing people for the coming Messiah, God has entrusted us with preparing the ground for others to receive Christ Jesus. In the very same way that the Spirit of God drew people to the Jordan River to be baptized, we have the privilege of partnering with the Holy Spirit in His divine work of drawing the lost to Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:20 reminds us:
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
As we enter this Christmas season let the joy of Christ be evident to those around us. Let us be led by the Spirit of God in intentionality, sharing that Joy to those both here at home and in our greater world.
Dear heavenly Father,
I thank you for the precious gift of your Son, Christ Jesus.
In this season of isolation renew my heart and spirit with your presence.
Forgive me for any way that I have grown cold in my walk with you and fill me once again with a passion for you.
Impart to me your heart for the broken, the hurting and those who are far from you.
I acknowledge you have entrusted me with the privilege of sharing this joy of Christ with others.
Holy Spirit go before me and prepare the hearts of those you will put on my path.
Open my eyes to the opportunities around me.
Let the joy of your presence be evident in my life this Christmas, and give me the boldness to share that joy with others
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Listen to Sonya’s Liturgy
Watch Sonya on CBM Calling
WEEK FOUR
WRITTEN BY
Louise Hannem
Based in Halifax, Louise brings a passion for social justice and a desire to engage youth in faith that makes a difference, working alongside CBM’s Church Engagement Team. For the past five years, Louise has served in a part-time capacity at CBM as the Youth and Young Adult Coordinator. She will continue to expand CBM’s connection to youth pastors and leaders across Canada.
The Generosity of Love - written by Louise Hannem
Luke recounts a moment in his gospel where love comes near. An angel from heaven comes to earth, to a poor, young girl in the village of Nazareth. This image of the Annunciation by Fritz Eichenburg shows Mary with her face turned toward Gabriel, so close that it appears Gabriel might be whispering God’s favor to her, something that the angel mentions twice. It’s often thought that God’s favor is earned by our behavior- that God’s love is earned by what we give to him. However, the good news is precisely the opposite- God chooses Mary because she has nothing. Being male and being mature were two things that were valued in Mary’s culture, and Mary identifies herself as poor and lowly in her song of praise in response to the angel’s message (the Magnificat). Eichenburg depicts Mary in plain clothes, on a rustic wooden bench, with homey details like a sewing basket. Perhaps if Eichenburg were to illustrate this same scene in a modern-day setting, Mary might be curled up on a coucha. God comes near to us in the ordinary places and whispers love.
And God choosing a poor and lowly girl shows how God acts when he comes near. Mary proclaims with joy that God’s reign has broken through the status quo- love has turned the world upside down! When God comes near there is a powerful and loving reversal of how life as we know it is ordered. God will scatter, bring down, and send away the proud, powerful and rich. He will lift up the lowly and fill the hungry with good things. The savior to be born will be called Immanuel- God with us- and he will be with his people to bring love like no one has experienced before. This illustration called Christ of the Breadlines, also by Eichenburg, is a powerful reminder of the way God is found among the poor- that he will come down to lift up. This is a profound expression of generous love.
It’s an honor to be up close and experience the work that we do among the poor through our CBM partners around the world as we experience the love of Christ in and through the poor. Each food basket, goat, latrine, and sewing machine is given in love as we serve Christ through the poor. Each workshop for training pastors, home built for refugees, and school supplies for orphans are given and received in love.
This Advent season, as you draw near to the ones you love whether it’s around a table, in a church, virtually on a screen, or snuggled on a coucha, remember and celebrate that God is near to you in Jesus- the greatest gift of love. And that you too can extend Christ’s love as you draw near and serve others.
Personal prayer
Loving God, thank you for drawing near. In this Advent season I commit to making room. Thank you for loving me in my weakness, my brokenness and my poverty, and choosing me even though I have little to give. Help me to see you, and serve you, in the poor around me, that I might know the fullness of your love.
Amen
Listen to Louise’s Liturgy
Watch Louise on CBM Calling
WEEK FIVE
WRITTEN BY
Brenda Halk
Brenda is CBM’s Senior Associate for Strategic Projects. She works with the International Partnerships Team and CBM’s global church partners in the areas of gender based programs as well as Faith and Work Initiatives. Brenda also has extensive experience as an educator, entrepreneur and business owner.
The Generosity of Light - written by Brenda Halk
Advent is a time of waiting, of hope and expectation, but also a time of not knowing. Isaiah was called to prophesy of the great Deliverer, who would save his people from their sins. The people of Israel were living in a state of deep darkness. But Isaiah spoke of a coming Messiah, who would not only bring light with him but would be the Light of lights. He would be the Light of the world to the people who walked in darkness. The people of Israel could not see or imagine how this could be. They were in darkness, not knowing what was ahead.
We too seem to be in dark times not able to see the path ahead or know what each day or week or year will bring. We are waiting in darkness as an invisible enemy, as a global pandemic rages.
There is loss of work, businesses closing, empty church buildings, closed borders, families and friends cut off from each other. People are confused, angry and feel despair. There is famine, sickness, death and fear. Life has changed profoundly. No country is untouched. We have lost our bearings, we are disoriented, and we wait for the unknown to be revealed. The sands in our world are shifting and we do not know where to place our feet. So many of us are stumbling in the darkness, floundering, hoping to get through it. But we have this promise from Isaiah of light and of hope.
You cannot talk about light without talking about darkness.
In Genesis, “God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” (Genesis 1:4)
It is by light that the wonder of God’s creation is revealed.
Light guides, points the way, scatters the darkness, shows us danger, it gives us warmth and guides our feet and shows us where to walk. It is contagious. One tiny candle can be the impetus of a thousand points of light.
Light is most magnificent when there is darkness. We see this in the stars, moon, lightning, sunrise and sunset all gloriously displayed on a backdrop of darkness. The abstract painting by Mike Moyer depicts the brilliance of the Light of the World and the shattering of the darkness. Darkness cannot fracture light, but light fractures darkness. The smallest candlelight will pierce the darkness, but darkness will never overcome light. God’s light is generous, abundant and given to all of us.
In these pandemic times, we have seen evidence of the small lights we can offer; breaking into the darkness. Local churches distributing food and sanitizer in India, loving and caring for frontline workers in the Philippines, housing for the homeless and restoration in Lebanon. God’s people are breaking down the darkness with small beacons of light. We are called to be a Christlike presence in the world. We are called to be a light in the darkness.
God’s light shines in all of his creations, from the Star of Bethlehem, to the angel proclaiming Christ’s birth, to the Son of God himself—the light of the world. Isaiah’s light of Christmas shines into our darkness – bringing us new life. Through this light, he illuminates darkness, eliminates fear, gives us guidance, and shows us how to love one another as we share the Light of the World at Christmas. He is… Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty One, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Prayer:
Everlasting Father, I celebrate the overwhelming gift of your son, the Light of the world. Thank you that in him, is the light of the glorious gospel of grace, that has overcome the darkness. Keep me ever mindful of the hope, peace, joy and love which your light reveals, the promise of new life and the command to share that light. May I be a contagious disciple, and a shining light into the world’s dark corners wherever I find them. Open my eyes Lord, that I might see you. Amen.
Listen to Brenda’s Liturgy
Watch Brenda on CBM Calling