Merry Christmas from CISF!

Below you will find a mediation written by Dr. Agnes Makau Olwendu, a CISF alum from Kenya written after violence ripped through her country in the first days of 2008. As the U.S. has experienced a turbulent end to this year, the words she shares strike home. Whatever small bits of chaos fly around in your life, may this promise of Christmas - of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with us, bring you hope.

May you know the joy of His peace as you celebrate the Christmas.

THE PRINCE OF PEACE IS EMMANUEL – GOD WITH US

Isaiah 9:6

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.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

December 2007 brought a turn of events for the East African country known for its peace and stability. Over the years, refugees from war torn African countries have found a haven in Kenya and tourists found a relaxing destination. Foreigners from all walks of life have benefited from hospitable, kind and peaceful Kenyans. However, the 2007 Christmas celebrations were marred by controversial presidential election results. The results were highly disputed. This was followed with unprecedented inter – ethnic violence resulting to loss of life. One wonders, "How can people who co-existed so peacefully for so long suddenly turn against their neighbors in violence." Many have asked, "Why?"

This causes me to ponder, "O Peace, where art thou?"

O Peace, Where Art Thou?

The world traces

The world paces

The world races

Searching for peace within self and amongst groups

It is evident in articles, journals, magazines, research,

books – true and fiction alike

They talk about it in summits, conferences, workshops,

seminars, consortia and all sorts of meetings

Is it not written?

Long ago through Isaiah's prophetic voice

The prince of Peace was promised

He came

Evidence of God's love for the world

Through him

"Be still and know that I am God"

becomes practical in life's ups and downs

In him

"Peace that surpasses all understanding" becomes a reality

Because of him

Pursuance of "blessed are the peacemakers" becomes an imperative activity

He calmed the storm with "Peace, Be still"

His Peace is authentic, always reliable and testable in the valley of death

His peace is unique, commands stillness despite the circumstances

He is our peace today

He is our peace tomorrow

He is our peace all year long

He is our peace in all situations

He is available for whoever desires

He is accessible all the time

He guarantees peace, peace that is immeasurable, bottomless

He the Prince of Peace, yes, he the Savior of the world

He is Emmanuel – God with us.

Dr. Agnes Makau-Olwendo earned her PhD in Educaitonal Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. She is a popular faculty member in Christian Education at Daystar Unviersity in Nairobi, Kenya. Daystar is the top Christian liberal arts university in Kenya. Duriong her studies she was courted and married fellow Daystar professor Fred Olwendu. Fred is currenlty completing his PhD in Philosophy at Bowling Green University. Upon his graduation, the two will return to Daystar.

You can find all of this year's Advent devotions on our website. Click here to view these meditations from Bethlehem, Brazil, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and Sudan.

If you are planning to make a year end contribution to the work of CISF, we thank you. To give through our secure website, click here.