How long, O Lord?
Dr Di Rayson captures our collective weariness and longing as we begin our Advent journey in 2020.
On the fourth day of Advent, 2020, Rev Thresi Mauboy captures the anxiety of our uncertain world, into which the Prince of Peace comes.
Peace in an uncertain world
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:2-7
We live in a world of uncertainty, full of problems that haunt us. These problems now include COVID-19, a great anxiety for all. Time travels in a way that does not concern itself with human life. This often presents fear and doubt. Many experience uncertainty in their financial condition, work and family. These problems cause people to become stressed, discouraged, angry and even lose hope that they will survive.
It is in this reality that Christians again enter advent week to prepare themselves to welcome Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
In a time of great darkness, God promised to send a light who will shine on everyone living in the shadow of death. He is both wonderful counsellor and mighty God. This message of hope was fulfilled in the birth of Christ and the establishment of his eternal Kingdom. He came to deliver all people from their slavery to sin. He came to give people hope and peace. This is the Good News of Christ, delivered to many throughout history. The power of this news continues and remains our focus until the second coming of Christ.
The Good News is delivered with the love of Christ. Its impact is peace and a renewed fellowship in the family of God, in a world full of change. His presence in this world reminds us of those who suffer and are marginalized, exiled because of war, suffering because of weather disasters or social status. Jesus came to give people hope and peace.
“World peace cannot exist without peace among the nations. The peace of the nations cannot exist without peace in the midst of our community. Community peace cannot exist without peace in the family. Finally, family peace cannot exist without the Prince of Peace who reigns in our hearts.” - Rick Warren
Rev Thresi Mauboy is an Indonesian woman who grew up in West Timor. She has served congregations in both Indonesia and Australia. She was the first female Chairperson for the Indonesian National Conference of Uniting Church in Australia, consulted for the Asian Manager for Uniting World and was part of the National Multicultural Reference Committee. She is currently the Moderator of the Northern Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia.
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