Advent and World AIDS Awareness Day

"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved." Psalm 80:3

     Every year the Advent season appears with clockwork regularity, and includes the four Sundays before Christmas. Advent is a time when the worldwide Church joyfully remembers that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and continues to come to us through the Word and sacraments, and will come again someday in power and glory.

     This year Advent falls on December 1st, the designated World AIDS Awareness Day. People from at least one hundred ninety-one countries are observing the day to draw attention to the AIDS pandemic. AIDS affects everyone and is no respecter of sexual orientation, gender, culture, economic status or religious preference.

     Today's practical psalm can be a great comfort to a hurting humanity, begging God for deliverance from human misery and tragedy. It is an anguished lament by one who is suffering greatly. The psalmist cries out for restoration, begging God for divine intervention and presence.

     He boldly beseeches God to wake up and get involved. The psalmist dares to bluntly question God, asking 'why me, why now, why my nation?' He prayed with tears and anger. His nation had been ravaged, many citizens had perished and the future seemed ominous.

     The psalmist feared God's anger had fallen on his country, and prayed earnestly for restoration, renewed divine blessing, and for forgiveness. The bold psalm petitions Almighty God for mercy, expressing heartfelt penitence and a renewal of spiritual vows, in hopes of regaining divine blessing once again.

     This Advent season, be aware of the compassionate presence of Jesus Christ among those living with AIDS. Through them, Jesus continues to come in the flesh and walk among us. Let this reminder guide your prayers for their relief from suffering.

     Pray God hasten the day when a cure will be available for this deadly disease that affects everyone. Seek ways to be a blessing to the AIDS orphans. Encourage your church to open arms and hearts to the sick and dying. Listen to those teaching AIDS prevention and practice safe sex. Go out of your way to comfort those living with AIDS throughout Advent, and you will experience the presence of the living Christ.

     May this Advent season be a time of great blessing, solace and restoration for you and those you love. God bless you.

     Prayer: Help us to remember the family and friends that we have lost to HIV/AIDS, O God. Remind our community that the AIDS pandemic is not over. Renew our commitment to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS. Help us work tireless for a cure, while caring compassionately for all affected by this pandemic. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
November 21, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe.