“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. ”
-John 16:33
December 6, 2020
Peace Like A River
Tribulation is defined as affliction, distress, suffering ... words which describe so many aspects of 2020:
A novel coronavirus has afflicted the globe and is particularly virulent for our community
Economic distress has too many families on the brink due to lost jobs and shuttered businesses
Mental health suffering is affecting our community in record numbers due to the stress of our days
John 16:33 reminds us that we will have tribulation in the world. Yet, as much trouble as we face these days, it still pales in comparison to the trials that our ancestors have faced through the generations:
The Maafa - the Black Holocaust
500 years of enslavement in the Americas
100 years of Jim Crow apartheid
Like many Metropolitan members, I love the hymn that reminds us:
“When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say
It is well; it is well with my soul”
Thank God for Advent and the peace it brings. Through all of our trials and tribulations, we hold on to the promise that the birth of Jesus is our true hope.
Prayer
Dear God,
we are grateful for the blessed assurance of hope and peace that can be found only in our faith in you.
Amen
Steward Marie Johns
Pastor's Steward
Advent 2020
Join us in a time of reflection, anticipation, and contemplation during the season of Advent 2020.
Each day a new reflection with a scripture and prayer will be posted on the Metropolitan AME Church website and social media to encourage you to hear the words of those reflecting, anticipating, and contemplating with you in community as we thank God for what God has done, notice what God is actively doing and anticipate what God will do next.
Read along with us each day or download the book to read and write along with us offline. Chart and journal for yourself what God has done, what God is doing, and what God is illuminating for you in this season.
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