Advent Devotion from Malawi

The Lord is our Peace and Joy

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, and her sin has been paid for that she had received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins (Isaiah 40: 1). Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the Angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" Luke 2:13-14).

My country (MALAWI) is not only one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world, but it is also popularly known as the ‘Warm heart of Africa'. Why? According to the  Malawi Institute of Tourism, people are "enthralled by friendly and smiling faces". This is true, even if one went to a village where people have slept two days without Nsima (the Malawian staple food made from boiled maize/corn flour), their faces will still try as much as possible to smile so that the guest does not feel unwelcome. The worst thing a Malawian host would not want is to turn away a guest with the feeling they were not warmly received.   During special events like Christmas, at  the very least a special food and drink will be sought just for a guest.

Interestingly, the most important holidays of New Year, Christmas and Eater all fall at the season when most Malawian families do not have adequate food. The best season of the year to find food in many homes is between April and November, when people still eat from what they have harvested from their fields. In Malawi, most people commemorate the birth of their salvation (Luke 2:30-Simeon's song) and their victory over death and sin (the resurrection) with empty stomachs. But what is interesting is that during these hard times people still go to church in large numbers for worship and prayers, some walking many miles just to be there. When church members have brought food for the celebration, they make sure everyone receives something, even if all get only a small amount.

The message of Isaiah chapter 40 and Luke chapter 2 comes so powerfully and speaks to the hearts of our people. Why? This message is so relevant and in the Malawian context. Isaiah was preaching to people who were in exile. They were in pain, economically distraught, hopeless.  They were far from their own land "flowing milk and honey". Some of these Israelites doubted whether a time would ever come when they would be released from the pain (Ezekiel 37). Many people believe that life has to be smooth and easy.  Anything that impinges against the "good" life is not from God. This is true, but not the whole truth. While in exile the Israelites' God was still reigning and He identified with them. From the Lord came the humbling and hope giving message. The Israelites were indeed released from exile.

Their  liberation and peace which was announced by Isaiah was to be fulfilled in Jesus (Luke 2:14).  Jesus the Prince of peace and the peace he gives is not "as the world gives" (John 14:27). What is the nature of peace that Christians are expected to have? It is not as the world gives. It is that peace which relies on hope, that peace which endures, that peace which is prayerful, that peace which always rejoices even in times of suffering (Romans 5:1-5).

The comfort and peace Isaiah and Luke are preaching about start when we accept Christ, the savior, whose first coming (birth) was announced by the angels, and the heavenly hosts. But this will come to its consummation when this life is over when Jesus will usher his Kingdom to his faithful ones. At this time as we await his Second Coming which will also be announced by archangels (1 Thessalonians 4:16), we must live in peace with him and with one another. We are assured by St. Paul, who says, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with our Lord Jesus Christ through whom we have gained access by faith into grace in which we now stand. Therefore nothing shall separate us from the love of God. Neither, war, poverty, death, hunger will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus".

Prayer

Lord God our heavenly Father, You emptied yourself in Christ to reveal your love and mercy to us. Grant that in response we should love you more than anything else and that we follow you in spite of the chaos, difficulties and suffering we face in this world. We pray for peace in the hearts of your believers so that they remain faithful even in times of trails and temptations. God Holy Spirit our comforter, the silent speaker, speak to the hearts of your people in the places where there is chaos, grant to your people peace and joy so that they continue to witness Christ, and preach the word of truth, in love and for reconciliation.

In Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen!

Timothy Nyasulu is a pastor, teacher and leader in the Presbyterian Church in Malawi.  He is currently working on his PhD in Intercultural Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.  He will return to a leadership role in Zomba Theological Seminary, the primary training school for his denomination in Malawi and the region of southeastern Africa.