Advent: Our Prince of peace -Tuesday, December 10
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. . . And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Our plane landed in a very isolated northern Cree community. It was a cold winter day as we deplaned and entered the small terminal. We were to wait there for another plane to take us to our final destination, a small, grieving Cree community, where we would present a workshop on trauma and grief.
It was supposed to be a quick layover, but our plane clipped its wingtip on another plane entering the small terminal. So, we waited and attempted to occupy our time. After several hours of waiting, someone pointed out a Facebook message stating there had been another terrible tragedy in yet another community. A young teenage girl had been murdered.
We had been booked to go to the first community to help them work through deep grief and trauma, but we had no idea that when we finally got to this original destination, we would only be there for a day before we were called to help people with the trauma and death of losing the young Cree girl in the other community. This time, we had to drive several hours even further north. As we drove, we felt the Lord was with us and that he would protect us - even after we saw an eighteen-wheeler swerve and finally plow into the snowbank just ahead of us on the icy, northern road.
When we arrived, we sensed the shock and early stages of individual and community grief. But we also sensed, the prince of darkness was not going to win. We began by meeting with leaders in the community, followed by a community gathering and time spent singing with the people. To honor the family, I will not describe the way this young girl died, but the community had never experienced a death this terrible. It felt as if the evil one was throwing everything he had at these people, but as we entered the home of the grieving family, we also felt God's peace, demonstrating that He was in control.
When Jesus came to earth that first Christmas, He came as the prince of peace. That tiny baby would not be defeated. Herod thought he could stop the will of God by killing all the babies under two years old. But Jesus, the true King, demonstrated His mighty power and brings peace to all. Jesus always wins!
Dear Lord, in our world of great uncertainty, a world full of wars and pain, hurt and sorrow, may you give us faith to believe you are with us and always will be – bringing us comfort and peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for this amazing gift! In Jesus' name, Amen.