Advent Devotion from Ethiopia
Fourth Week of Advent
Christmas draws nearer now that the fourth candle on the Advent wreath has been lit. Perhaps you are planning for your own Christmas day feast, with the prize goose and plumb pudding from A Christmas Carol, or maybe something much better. For so many of us, to gather with friends and family to celebrate the Christmas holiday is a wonderful treat.
Today, , a CISF scholar from Ethiopia reflects on the Christmas feasts in Ethiopia. Because of the influence of the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition, the country operates on an eastern calendar which celebrates Christmas on January 7 The feasts continue with the celebration of Epiphany 12 days later. However, the date of Christmas is not what makes his story unique. Rather, he reflects on the feasts enjoyed by believers during the time of oppressive Communist rule of the 1980's. Like a number of Christian leaders during this time, Hailu was also imprisoned for his faith. However, the efforts to snuff out the faith, only served as a crucible for purifying and ultimately growing the church 10 fold during that time.
Feasting Under Oppression:A display of the love and power of Christ
Around the world, we celebrate the holy days of Christmas in different ways in different places. In this advent season I think back on what holy days mean and how we celebrated them in the time of communism in Ethiopia. During those dark years of oppression, the holy days became opportunities for sharing the love of Christ by using the love feast.
To begin with, holy days generally meant opportunities to make first things first. Therefore we were quite intentional in organizing holy day feasts. We would kill multitudes of sheep and goats to cook special food. We were met with a good number of spiritually hungry people. In those days, no one would casually label themselves a Christian. We were all purified under the fire of persecution. Many had been arrested, especially the leaders. As a result of this we had purified saints. Those who came during evangelistic love feast also knew the price of following Jesus. It was a fixed price and there would be no discount. The price of following Jesus was the cross. They had seen many pay the price, and endure in the time of persecution, and still they came
However, the feasts also created a unique opportunity for us.
First, almost all Ethiopians agree that our culture is a culture of hospitality. Gathering with friends a family is something that many people do – not just Christians. Even the communists would not dare to disrupt a feast. So, using this special occasion, the gospel was presented in intentionally chosen residential homes. When the communists came to check on us, they found us feasting in visible way. Unlike a worship service or religious ceremony, they could not pass a law against a celebratory meal. So they let us continue. However, we had an invisible end with much more in mind than laughter and food for all who came. Believing it wise to use every opportunity to share the love of Christ (Eph. 5:15-16), we made the most of these feasts.
In this depressing external atmosphere God was blessing our efforts. He used opposition that was intended for the destruction of the church as wonderful instrument of growth. Our God is a God who specializes in things which are impossible. Therefore he came to our situation in a special way. We were comforted because he intervened to wipe our tears. We survived and flourished because he displayed his power. He intervened to protect the tiny mustard seed.
Secondly, we became convinced that God is delighted when we make first thing first (Mt. 6:35). In those days we considered ourselves as fifty-fifty church, meaning we spent 50% of our income on ourselves and 50% on causes other than us. With this in mind, Christmas feasts were not squandering our money, but rather investing in God's cause during trying times (the 1980's were at time of famine in the country). When we put first thing first, God's will became evident. When we plant faith we will reap miracle. At least that is what we have seen in our case.
When persecution under the communists began, our denomination consisted of 14 local churches and 5000 members. However after a decade of oppression, church closings, persecution, imprisonment, and discrimination, our "underground" house church had grown to 53 churches and 51, 591 members. The church has continued to grow at more than 12% a year. God's power was truly displayed during this time.
Sometimes, when people here these kind of stories they want to learn secretes to manipulate God's power. However, His power is released to accomplish his purpose, never to simply entertain us. If we seek God's miraculous power in our lives, let us be conscious of why God's power is given. God's power is distributed according our need. Miracles are not given at our whim, but are given to accomplish God's appointed purpose. The kingdom of the world shall tremble by the impact of the kingdom of heaven. All of us seek and ask God's power - But God also asks of us our purpose the actual situation.
The one who sleeps needs less power than the one, who sits, and the one who Sits less than the one who Stands Stands less than the one who Walks Walks less than the one who Runs
I often ask, what position are we in this Christmas? Sleeping? Sitting? Standing? Walking Or Running for Jesus?
Father God, we marvel at the power of the Gospel – that a tiny baby born so long ago could turn the world upside down. We marvel that for the Gospel, faithful men and women risk everything, that others may know Your love, hope and peace. We marvel that in humility, Your power has been shown. That through death You have brought life. Through persecution You have brought growth. Through weakness, You demonstrate strength. May we run with the power you give for the sake of your Kingdom this Christmas. Amen.
|
CISF
Investing in Christian Leaders for the Majority World
