Peace and Good Will in DR Congo
December 19th is the date on everyone’s mind in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is the date when the sitting president is constitutionally bound to leave office following elections in November. However, November elections did not occur. December 19th will be day for peaceful demonstrations throughout the country. The largest demonstration is expected to be in the capital city of Kinshasa. Demonstrators are planning to march holding red cards, a reference to the soccer penalty for ejection, to indicate that the President must go.
Most churches observing Advent will have lit the last of the four Advent candles before December 19th. In some churches the last Advent candle, before the Christ candle, represents Peace. The lighting of the Peace candle recognizes God’s covenant of peace through Jesus Christ and the prophet Isaiah’s declaration of the coming Messiah as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). It’s also a reminder that there can be no genuine peace without justice.
During this Advent Season, we’re reminded that promoting peace is the work Christ has given to his church. So as we light the advent candle symbolizing God’s covenant of Peace, let us pray that a just peace can be achieved in this world without violence.
Silent Night in Lingala
Butu na nye! Kimia Mpe! (Boo-too nawn-yay! Keem-ya Pay!)
Butu Ebotama Yesu. (Boo-too Ay-bo-ta-ma Ye-zu.)
Baanje Likolo bakiti na nse (Ban-zay Lee-ko-lo ba-kee-tee nawn-say)
Bango basakoli babateli (Ban-go ba-sa-ko-lee ba-ba-tah-lee)
Kuna epai na Bilanga (Koo-nah ee-pay nah Bee-lawn-gah)
Ete: Masiya ayei! (Eh-tay Mah-see-yah Ah-yay!)
Paul Turner serves with the Community of Disciples of Christ in the Congo. His appointment is made possible by your gifts to Disciples Mission Fund, Our Churches Wider Mission, and your special gifts.