Last summer Ian Stewart travelled to Cambodia with a team from NI Scout Network to support Habitat's programme in Phnom Penh. Read his Advent reflection below.
I have to confess I have never written a reflection like this before, but this is not the only “first” this year - I had never imagined travelling to Southeast Asia with a Habitat volunteer team!
Habitat wants to see a world where everyone has a safe place to call home. My wife Kathleen and I were privileged to join the NI Scout Network Team project in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in August this year, a fantastic group of young people (and a few not so young!), who came together to make Habitat’s vision happen for a family, working alongside the family and Habitat Cambodia.
Preparation was key to the success of the build - team leadership and members, Habitat for Humanity, Ireland and Cambodia. Advent is a time of preparation. The shopping, events, presents and general busyness of the run-up to Christmas, can easily push reflection on the Christmas story and what it means to the side-lines.
The angels proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!” as told in Luke 2: 14.
It’s easy to forget among the tinsel and lights of our Christmas celebrations with TV ads of perfect homes and festive feasts, that after that first Christmas, Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt with the baby Jesus (Matthew 2: 13-15). As refugees they no doubt experienced difficulties in finding a place to call home.
I’ve learned first hand this year the value of giving a hand up to those in need, and I’ve also learned the generosity of many people willing to support these efforts. It is both humbling and challenging to think of the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40:
And the King will answer them,
‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
The closing prayer was shared among some of our team, after we had learned something of the troubled history of Cambodia. This challenges each of us to play our part in spreading the Christmas message of peace and hope.
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury your pardon, Lord,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you
Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy
