MINISTER’S NOTE 4 DECEMBER 2022
Can you imagine these
natural foes living in harmony
with no thought of
hurt or destruction? On this
second Sunday of Advent,
as we prepare for the
coming of Jesus who has
come in the past, who
continually comes in the
present, and who will come in the future, we are
reminded that we are preparing for the coming of
the Prince of Peace who meets us in our fear and
gives us “the peace of God that transcends all understanding”
(Philippians 4: 7).
We hear the words “Do not be afraid” throughout
the Christmas story. I believe all of us are familiar
with fear and it is unrealistic not to be afraid. The
good news is, from generation to generation, God
shows up in the midst of our fear, uncertainty and
confusion. The coming of the Prince of Peace is a
reminder that we are never alone in our times of
fear. It is also an invitation to accompany those
who are experiencing a world that is moving on
despite their personal struggles.
The prophet Isaiah says the transformation from a
culture of fear to a world at peace begins with a
stump. Out of something that appears finished, lifeless,
left behind, comes the sign of new life. From
this there is a vision of the peaceable kingdom. This
is the vision passed down to us: we must pursue it
and make it real in our time.
Blessings,
Vuyelwa.