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Sunday 1 December
First Sunday of Advent
“You know ‘the time’ has come;
you must wake up now.”
Romans 13:11
Wake up!
Santa (no, not that Santa!) lives
in Guatemala with her husband
and five children. They are
improving their lives through an
infant nutrition programme run
by CAFOD’s partner, the Jesuitrun parish of La Natividad
(which means ‘nativity’). Here,
baby Jansel is being weighed
and declared free of
malnutrition.
We’ll hear more about Santa’s
family and community in the
coming days.
This year’s calendar is all about
food – who has it, who doesn’t,
whether that’s fair and what we
can do about it.
“You know ‘the time’ has come;
you must wake up now.”
During 2013, thousands of
young people have taken action
to make the global food system
fairer. We’ll hear about that too.
Today, let’s reflect that there’s
enough food in the world for
everyone, if we share it fairly.
Lord, thank you for your gifts,
given for us all to share. Keep me
awake to the needs of my sisters
and brothers. Amen.
Watch a video introducing Jansel and Santa.
Share a meal with your family today.
Romans 13:11
Monday 2 December
Feasting with God
Were you one of more than
twelve thousand young people
in England and Wales who took
campaign actions with CAFOD
this year to help end hunger?
These students from
Shrewsbury took part in our
Hungry for change campaign.
Here they are making a display
to be used in a liturgy.
They were angry that one in
eight people does not have
enough food, and they were
calling for the global food
system to be made more fair.
“Many will come from east and
west to take their places… at the
feast in the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 8:11
Impressed by the faith of a
Roman centurion, Jesus said
that people from all over the
world, not just from Israel,
would take part in the feast in
the kingdom of heaven.
“Many will come from east and
west to take their places… at the
feast in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus also said, “The kingdom
of God is among you.”
Let’s work together to start
the feasting here on earth
and make sure everyone’s
invited.
Lord, may we all come to your
feast, bringing our sisters and
brothers with us. Amen.
Watch our Hungry for change animation.
Start making a display about food for all.
Matthew 8:11
Tuesday 3 December
Simplicity
“I bless you, Father… for hiding these
things from the learned and the clever
and revealing them to mere children.”
Jansel was poorly nourished
when his mother, Santa,
registered him with a
CAFOD supported motherchild feeding programme in
the Santa Maria region of
Guatemala.
Santa says:
I cried because I could see that he
might die. When I took my boy to
the clinic, I felt hopeful because they
detected his illness. The medicine
they gave me was very effective and
didn’t cost much.
Luke 10:21
Jesus says that God reveals
his wisdom to the little ones.
Sometimes little children and
simple souls can see very
clearly how we should behave
towards each other.
“I bless you, Father… for hiding these
things from the learned and the clever
and revealing them to mere children.”
Father, I can make things so
complicated – especially when
I’m making excuses! Doing
what you ask is very simple.
Help me to act justly, love
tenderly and walk humbly
with you. Amen.
Watch G8 Summit, a short film showing what might
happen if the G8 leaders were children.
Find someone who hasn’t heard of Hungry for change
and explain it to them.
Luke 10:21
Wednesday 4 December
“...the Lord of hosts will prepare for
all peoples a banquet of rich food…”
Cool campaigner
Lots of teenagers try to look
their best before going out with
their mates. But on 8 June,
Ciara Foley forgot about looking
cool and concentrated on
making an impact!
Ciara dressed up as a fish at a
rally in London to influence G8
world leaders, meeting that
week:
I am really passionate about ending global
poverty... I would like to tell the G8 that
there is enough food for everyone and
poverty can end within our lifetime if
people make a change.
Isaiah 25:6
That day, the G8 leaders agreed to
provide an extra £2.7 billion in aid
to help the hungry. Great news!
“...the Lord of hosts will prepare for
all peoples a banquet of rich food…”
But much more is needed.
How can I use my consumer
choices to influence those who
make decisions about the global
food system?
Lord of hosts, you have already
provided a banquet of rich food. Help
world leaders to keep the promises
they made in June, so that we begin to
share that banquet more justly.
Amen.
Check out CAFOD’s Facebook page for young people.
For a treat today, buy some Fairtrade chocolate!
Isaiah 25:6
Thursday 5 December
Trust
Baby Jansel lives in Santa Maria, one
of the poorest regions of Guatemala.
Most of the population in these
highlands are Mayan people who
keep a few animals and grow food –
mostly corn and beans - to eat and
to sell.
Many people have never been to a
health centre. Two of the most
common illnesses are malnutrition
and gastro-enteritis.
CAFOD partners in this region are
helping people to set up vegetable
gardens as well as giving training in
hygiene to help reduce disease.
“Everyone who listens to these
words of mine and acts on them
will be like a sensible man who
built his house on rock.”
Matthew 7:24
In today’s reading, Jesus tells us
that acting on his words makes
sense; it’s a rock-like foundation
for our lives.
And good nourishment is a vital
foundation for a healthy body.
Most of the time I take this for
granted, yet millions in our world
are denied nutritious food.
“Everyone who listens to these
words of mine and acts on them
will be like a sensible man who
built his house on rock.”
I may say that I think this is
unjust. But what am I doing about
it?
Lord, may my actions always
match my words. Help me to be a
person of integrity. Amen.
Watch Drive Aid, an IF campaign film
about food versus fuel.
Be careful to waste no food today, as a sign
that you mean what you say.
Matthew 7:24
Friday 6 December
“Do you believe I can do this?”
Matthew 9:28
Hope
In March, these sixth formers
from Oaklands Catholic School
in Portsmouth took part in the
‘Enough food for everyone IF’
campaign by writing to local
MPs before the Chancellor’s
budget.
The students joined others in
lobbying – or calling – for the
government to confirm that
from 2013 onwards, 0.7% of
national income would go
towards life-saving aid to
support those in our world who
are affected by our unjust
global food system.
In today’s reading, Jesus asks two
blind men whether they believe
that he can heal them.
“Do you believe I can do this?”
It can be hard to believe that small
actions can make a big
difference... but they can!
After years of campaigns, the UK
government has now agreed to
give 0.7% of our annual budget
to aid developing countries.
Lord of all hopefulness,
give hope to those who feel
abandoned by the world.
Help us to be hope to others.
Amen.
Find out about taking campaign actions with CAFOD.
Make a random act of kindness towards someone else
today – it could make a big difference to them!
Matthew 9:28
Saturday 7 December
“You received without charge,
give without charge.”
Matthew 10:8
Generosity
When we asked Jansel’s mother,
Santa, if she had a message for
CAFOD supporters, she said:
Thank you for the help you’ve given;
your support is making a real difference
to our lives. We have learned to grow our
own vegetables. So when we don’t have
enough food at home, we have food in the
orchard and we eat that.
Thank you for your generosity.
St Ambrose said: “It is not from
your own possessions that you
give alms to the poor, you are just
restoring to them what is theirs by
right”.
“You received without charge,
give without charge.”
Do I regard the world’s riches as
my right? Do I always expect a
return for my generosity?
Father, you did not count the cost
when you sent your Son for us.
When I give, help me not to count
the cost.
Amen.
Find out how we are using the £1.8m that
CAFOD supporters have given to help Syrians.
Be generous to others today.
Matthew 10:8
Sunday 8 December
Second Sunday of Advent
“A voice cries in the wilderness:
prepare a way for the Lord.”
Matthew 3:3
Preparation
The CAFOD group from Loreto
High School in Chorlton took part
in our Hungry for change
campaign this year.
Recalling the story of Jesus
multiplying the loaves and fish
they asked staff and students to
sign campaign cards and write
messages of solidarity on
cut-outs of fish and loaves.
In June, Loreto students joined
others handing in some of the
30,000 campaign actions taken
by UK schools to the Prime
Minister at 10 Downing Street.
The Loreto group put in a lot of
preparation for their event.
They thought it was worth the
effort.
“A voice cries in the wilderness:
prepare a way for the Lord.”
John the Baptist dedicated his
life to preparing the way for
Jesus. Mary also prepared for
his birth.
How am I preparing to celebrate
Jesus’ birth at Christmas?
Giver of all good things, help
me to prepare to make this
Christmas a time of giving,
more than of receiving.
Amen.
Ask someone to buy you a World Gift – the Christmas
present that gives twice!
Prepare a Christmas treat for a friend or relative.
Matthew 3:3
Monday 9 December
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
“The Lord is with you.”
Luke 1:28
Women
In Santa Maria, Guatemala, our parish
partner works with 21 rural
communities.
Too often, it is women who are most
disadvantaged. Of the world’s poorest
billion people, 70 per cent are women
and girls. Yet mothers are best placed
to improve their children’s prospects.
Santa says:
With my first children, I wasn’t able to feed them good
food. With the programme, I have learned about healthy
eating... it’s important to feed them well so that they do
well and achieve their goals at school.
Today is a feast day of Our Lady.
Mary grew up in a poor community
and would understand some of the
struggles that many women in
developing countries have to
endure.
“The Lord is with you.”
She lived an extraordinary call in a
very ordinary way. She accepted
the challenge to be the mother of
the Son of God and remained
faithful to her word.
Holy Mary, mother of God, keep under
your protection all women who make
extraordinary efforts to ensure that
their children can live ordinary lives.
Amen.
Find out about CAFOD’s work with women.
Do a job for your mother or whoever cares for you.
Luke 1:28
Tuesday 10 December
“Console my people, console
them, says your God.”
Isaiah 40:1
Solidarity
In June, students from Notre Dame,
Southwark helped to make 250,000
windmill ‘flowers’ as part of a huge
art installation in Hyde Park.
Thousands took part in similar
projects at the same time in different
countries around the world.
Each flower petal represented one of
the children who die each year due to
lack of nutritious food. The final
image was of a tub of grain held in
two hands.
Our partners sometimes tell us
that, more than the financial help
they receive, they are grateful for
the solidarity they experience from
CAFOD supporters.
“Console my people, console
them, says your God.”
They are moved when we tell
them that ordinary people like
themselves want to stand
alongside them in their struggle
for justice.
Lord, this Christmas, help me to
value being with those I love more
than receiving presents from
them.
Amen
Watch the time-lapse film of the artwork developing.
Look out for anyone feeling down today, and say a
kind word.
Isaiah 40:1
Wednesday 11 December
Thanksgiving
Jansel’s mother, Santa, asked
us to tell CAFOD supporters:
Thank you for
your donations
and the medicine
you have sent.
The medicine, food rations
and nutritional advice that the
parish has given Santa are
making a real difference to
her family. She wanted to
give thanks.
“My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings.”
Psalm 102:2
I have so much, but am I
as thankful as Santa, who
has so little?
“My soul, give thanks to the Lord
and never forget all his blessings.”
Thank you, Lord, for
the many gifts
you’ve given me and
the many people who
help me every day.
Amen.
Buy a World Gift or suggest that your class or
group of friends club together to buy one.
Ask your teacher to order a World Gifts wall chart.
Psalm 102:2
Thursday 12 December
“If anyone has ears to hear,
let him listen!”
Listen to truth
Sophie attends Aquinas College,
Stockport and travelled to
Parliament with CAFOD in February
to meet her MP.
I really enjoyed speaking individually with
my MP, Andrew Bingham, as he was able to
give me his full attention and seemed to
listen to what I was telling him about the
injustices of the global food system.
It was great to see so many MPs listen to the
voices of young people... we are the future and
what happens in the future regarding world
hunger is in our hands.
Matthew 11:15
Often, those living in poverty are
not able to make their voices heard
nationally or internationally to
change unfair systems in our world.
It’s vital that our leaders hear their
views and the message that justice
is not optional.
“If anyone has ears to hear,
let him listen!”
We all have a part to play in
listening to those who are silenced
and making that message heard.
Christ Jesus, present in my
heart, make me always ready to
listen to what other people have to
say and to respond.
Amen.
See what happened on Sophie’s visit to Parliament.
Find out whether your school has a policy on sourcing
food justly. If the answer is ‘no’, ask questions!
Matthew 11:15
Friday 13 December
Guidance
“I, the Lord, your God, teach you
what is good for you, I lead you in
the way that you must go.”
Miguel Ricardo Pú López is the
coordinator of the community
health team and helps Santa and
her neighbours in Guatemala
learn about good nutrition.
We’re trying to break this
vicious cycle of malnutrition.
And we’re showing mums how
to educate their children…
Ricardo recalls the story of
one malnourished
two-year-old girl who is
now healthy and happy:
We gave the girl some
vitamins and the mother took
our advice – that’s what I
think made the difference.
Isaiah 48:17
Sometimes I resist advice. I don’t
like being led. I like to choose my
own way. But maybe I don’t
always know best.
“I, the Lord, your God, teach you
what is good for you, I lead you in
the way that you must go.”
Where is God leading me in my
life choices?
Good Teacher, make me open to be
led by you. Help me to make wise
choices so that, through my life,
the world will be a better place.
Amen.
Climate change affects food production in LEDCs. Use
Planet Pulse to measure your lifestyle’s contribution.
Choose one way to change your lifestyle.
Isaiah 48:17
Saturday 14 December
“We shall never forsake you
again; give us life that we
may call upon your name.”
Choosing life – for all
In June, nearly 150 secondary
students from all over Yorkshire
gathered in Leeds for a conference to
learn about world hunger and what
they can do to fight it.
The sheer number of people without food
isn’t something that you can just forget. If
I do my part and inspire other people then
hopefully everybody will join in and then
we will have enough food for everyone.
Aaron (15), St Mary’s School, Menston
Psalm 79:18
Advent is a good time to review
how my life affects the world.
I may not be conscious of it, but I
am part of a global economic
system that ensures the world’s
resources are not fairly shared.
Those with a fridge, a bed, a
choice of clothes and a house are
in the richest 25 per cent of the
world.
“We shall never forsake you
again; give us life that we
may call upon your name.”
Lord, renew my commitment to
stand alongside those who don’t
have a fair share. Give me a heart
that strives for justice.
Amen.
Find out what the Church would look like if it
were 100 people and how resources are unfairly shared.
Find out the date of your school or parish Advent
reconciliation service and put it in your diary.
Psalm 79:18
Sunday 15 December
Third Sunday of Advent
Rejoice (and be patient!)
The parish of La Natividad is helping
people to set up vegetable gardens in
Santa Maria, which is described as a
‘dry corridor’ by the Food and
Agriculture Organisation.
People’s patience is rewarded when
they can harvest fresh vegetables to
feed their families:
I’ve participated in training about healthy
eating and now I’ve been giving my
children fruit and veg. I’ve seen an
improvement in my children’s health…
Now they don’t get so sick.
Gloria Esperanza Uz Jax
“You too have to be patient; do
not lose heart, because the
Lord’s coming will be soon.”
James 5:8
Today is Gaudete, or ‘rejoice’, Sunday.
The Church is looking ahead to
Christmas, even though it feels like
Christmas will never come! And it’s not
helpful when someone says ‘have a bit
of patience’!
How must Mary have felt as she waited
nine months for Jesus’ birth? But her
waiting bore fruit, as the child grew
within her. Will my waiting this Advent
bear fruit in faith and love?
Mary, some things are worth waiting for.
Pray that I will patiently await good
things to come, but never stop working
now to help good things become reality.
Amen.
Read Oscar Romero’s reflection on seeds.
Be patient with someone today.
“You too have to be patient; do
not lose heart, because the
Lord’s coming will be soon.”
James 5:8
Monday 16 December
“A hero arises from their stock,
he reigns over countless peoples.”
Heroism
Martin Brown, a CAFOD staff member
visiting partners in Peru says:
Many of the people we’ve met here are heroes
who work in incredibly difficult situations so
that God’s loved ones can have a fuller life… I
want to thank those who give and campaign
on behalf of CAFOD. Their donations help other
people to be heroes.
Niall (15) and his father were part of
Team CAFOD for the Leeds 10k in July:
I am running to support CAFOD’s work in other
countries. Everyone should have enough food to eat. We
all need to share the food in the world.
Numbers 24:7
In today’s reading, the prophet
Balaam points towards Jesus’
birth. Born in a borrowed room,
in a poor town and an oppressed
nation. Strange birth for a hero!
But he changed the world.
“A hero arises from their stock,
he reigns over countless peoples.”
Who are the real heroes in
today’s world? Aren’t they people
like Niall and our Peruvian
partners who give their time and
effort to help others?
Saviour of the Universe, unlike
fictional superheroes, you make
a real difference to people. Help
me to be a hero like you.
Amen.
Read one of the info sheets at the end of our
World hero resource.
Start to get fit, ready to do a run for CAFOD next year!
Numbers 24:7
Tuesday 17 December
“May he defend the poor of the people”
Psalm 71:4
God of the poor
God has a special care for those most
in need. We are called to act in the
same way. Catholic social teaching
calls this ‘the option for the poor’.
CAFOD’s work is all about putting
Catholic social teaching into action.
This means that communities and
families like Santa’s family come first.
We try to reach out to the poorest
communities; the ones that have
been unjustly denied their basic
human needs. We don’t just send
money; we (and therefore you) travel
with them as they work their way out
of poverty.
The Church teaches that first
place should be given to the
poor and vulnerable: the
‘option for the poor’. Do I give
first place to the ‘poor’ or
unpopular people around me?
“May he defend the poor of the people”
Friend of the poor, help me to
seek out the people who are
ignored and to remember that
you chose to spend your time
with them.
Amen
Find out more about Catholic Social Teaching.
Spot the person who feels left out (in the lunch hall,
the bus, the youth club) and invite them in.
Psalm 71:4
Wednesday 18 December
“Joseph… do not be afraid to take
Mary home as your wife...”
A warm welcome
Nick from Liverpool travelled with us to
Brazil for World Youth Day. He was moved
by CAFOD’s support for homeless families
in São Paulo who are living in abandoned
buildings and shared their food and their
family life with the UK visitors:
With kids running around, women doing
arts and crafts and even a film room, they
had created a place of warmth and love.
These were people fighting daily for their
right to live in something better than a
favela and the fact that they took the time
to provide us with such a warm welcome
humbled me greatly.
Matthew 1:20
Today’s reading reminds us that
Joseph had second thoughts about
welcoming Mary – now pregnant –
into his home. Yet he chose to
follow what some would have
regarded as the risky strategy of
believing a dream.
“Joseph… do not be afraid to take
Mary home as your wife...”
Joseph created a home for Mary
and Jesus, and the Holy Family
became an enduring symbol of
welcome for all.
St Joseph, when I struggle to
welcome others, remind me of the
hospitality so often offered by
those who have very little.
Amen.
Read more of Nick’s blog.
Think of ways to make your classroom, home or
youth club space more welcoming.
Matthew 1:20
Thursday 19 December
Rock of refuge
Santa has just been to
a church meeting:
It is today that they deliver
food rations and they give us
guidance about food for the
children. Before, with my
first children, I wasn’t able to
feed them good food. With the
programme I have learned
about healthy eating and
that’s why I was there. I was
learning how to feed my
children well.
“Be a rock where I can take refuge…
On you I have leaned from my birth.”
Ps. 70:3-6
Santa gains strength from our
partner, the parish of La
Natividad, whose health team
run the clinic and infant
nutrition programme in
outlying villages. They have
helped her to keep her
children alive and healthy.
“Be a rock where I can take refuge…
On you I have leaned from my birth.”
On whom do I lean? Where is
my ‘rock of refuge’?
Lord, you are more steady
than a rock. Help me to lean
on you.
Amen.
Send someone a CAFOD e-card for Christmas.
Add to your Christmas card list an elderly neighbour, or
anyone you think might feel unloved this Christmas.
Ps. 70:3-6
Friday 20 December
“The Lord’s is the earth and
its fullness, the world and
all its peoples.”
Psalm 23:1
Global family
Amelia, aged 10, is the youngest
beekeeper in the kitchen garden at
St Patrick's Catholic Church,
Wapping.
The garden was dug from waste
ground where the parish primary
school's prefabs had been. Last year
the parish produced their first honey.
Parishioners have also learned about
growing vegetables. Now, by selling
honey and vegetables from their
garden, the parish raises more than
£1000 a year to help CAFOD’s work.
Amelia’s parish know that they
are part of God’s family,
stretching from one end of the
earth to the other.
“The Lord’s is the earth and
its fullness, the world and
all its peoples.”
Do I recognise people of all
nations as my sisters and
brothers? What difference does
that make to how I live my life?
Father of all the nations, teach
me to welcome each person as
my sister or brother.
Amen.
Find out how honey is making a
difference to the life of Mayling in Nicaragua.
Send a smiley icon to someone’s phone or smile at
someone today.
Psalm 23:1
Saturday 21 December
Going the extra mile
“Mary went as quickly as she could to
a town in the hill country of Judah.
She went into Zechariah’s house and
greeted Elizabeth.”
Miguel Ricardo Pú López, the
coordinator of the community
health programme, is
measuring the height of Jansel’s
sister, Catarina Wendy. Ricardo
and his team visit communities
as far away as 18km from the
parish centre.
18km is an hour to an hour and fifteen
minutes, depending on who’s driving. Roads
can be quite difficult to traverse.
Last year we worked with 650 children…
I truly believe there is a future where acute
and chronic malnutrition can be removed. It
will take time, but it will happen.
Luke 1:39
Like Ricardo, Mary travelled a long
way over difficult terrain. She
spent three months with Elizabeth,
helping her as Elizabeth prepared
for and welcomed her baby.
“Mary went as quickly as she could
to a town in the hill country of
Judah. She went into Zechariah’s
house and greeted Elizabeth.”
How far am I prepared to go to
help other people?
Jesus, make me willing to ‘go the
extra mile’ for others. Help me
today to eat a bit less, or forgo a
treat, so that others in the world
may experience greater justice.
Amen.
If you don’t have one, request a CAFOD
collection box today by emailing
[email protected]
To help others, save money by forgoing a
treat.
Luke 1:39
Sunday 22 December
Fourth Sunday of Advent
God-is-with-us
Pete from Newcastle travelled to Sierra
Leone in March with CAFOD’s gap year
programme. He learned how CAFOD
partners supplied Gbaneh Fullah village
with potato vines and cashew seeds.
The entire adult community is involved in
the planting, cultivating and harvesting...
The income is largely used to send their
youth to school, three miles away. This
project also empowers them to control their
own future; very important in maintaining
sustainability and dignity. We were all
very impressed with the project and sensed
great solidarity and hope in the future.
“The virgin will conceive and
give birth to a son and they will
call him Emmanuel… which
means ‘God-is-with-us’.”
Matthew 1:23
Today the Gospel looks ahead to
Christmas and reminds us that
God chose to become a human
being! This amazing fact is what
makes Christianity unique. Now
and always, God is living among
us.
“The virgin will conceive and
give birth to a son and they
will call him Emmanuel…
which means ‘God-is-with-us’.”
Pete recognised something of
God-with-us in the people he met
in Sierra Leone.
Where can I see you today?
Emmanuel, be with me and with
everyone who feels as if you are
far away.
Amen.
Read about Pete’s visit to Gbaneh Fullah village.
Once today, imagine Jesus sitting next to you.
What positive thing will he say to you?
Matthew 1:23
Monday 23 December
“His name is John.”
Luke 1:62
God has given
Santa has two daughters, Catarina
Wendy (4) and Maria (6).
Like her little brother Jansel, Catarina
Wendy has also been underweight.
Their mother brings them both to the
clinic run by our CAFOD partners.
Santa says:
The clinic helps me when the
children get sick, they give me
medicine to help the kids get
better and as well as that, I
receive food and incaparina to
improve their weight.
Incaparina is a special food supplement
to help children become better
nourished.
In today’s reading, Zechariah – struck
dumb when he doubted the angel’s
word – has his voice restored. He
declares that Jesus’ cousin will be
called John, which means ‘God has
given’.
God gave John the Baptist to the
world to announce the coming of the
greatest gift of all - Jesus.
God gives me so much every day;
from the food that I eat to the air that
I breathe. Do I take time to notice?
Generous God,
thank you for .............!
Visit our interactive map and find out
where CAFOD works.
Eat a meal with your family and take time to enjoy it.
“His name is John.”
Luke 1:62
Tuesday 24 December
“And you, little child, you shall be
called Prophet of the Most High...”
Prophets
Adele (12) from Nantwich ran
a fundraising event for
CAFOD in April. She had
jumble sale stalls, raffles,
sold cards and cakes and
promoted her event with a
flyer.
I organised an event for family and
friends and I am very pleased to say
we raised £324, which I feel very happy
to donate to CAFOD for people who have
much less than we do and who are
struggling with hardships.
Luke 1:76
In today’s Gospel, Zechariah
is speaking to his unborn
son, John the Baptist. But
his words are true for every
child or young person who
chooses to proclaim the
Truth by their words or by
their actions.
“And you, little child, you shall be
called Prophet of the Most High...”
God of love, help me to be a
prophet, showing the power
of your presence in my
words and actions.
Amen.
Speak out!
Tell CAFOD what sets you on fire for justice.
Say hello today to someone you don’t
normally speak to.
Luke 1:76
Wednesday 25 December
“I bring you news of great joy, a joy
to be shared by the whole people.”
Luke 2:10
Rejoice!
Santa’s children were also
born into poverty. Yet, like
Mary, she too rejoices:
Hearing from the doctor
today that my son is the
right weight and not
underweight any more,
makes me so happy that
he is growing well!
‘Glory to God on high!’ the
angels sang, rejoicing at the
birth of Jesus.
“I bring you news of great joy, a joy
to be shared by the whole people.”
God’s Son is born – tiny,
vulnerable and needy.
Let’s rejoice that we have the
chance to reach out in love to
the infant Jesus present in all,
especially those living in
poverty.
May the whole world rejoice!
Thanks for the Christmas
presents, Lord. And thanks for
the greatest present of all, your
Son. Amen.
As you sing a carol (okay, hum if it’s less
embarrassing!) praise God for sending Jesus
to be our joy.
Luke 2:10
Picture credits
Nikola Ivanovski; Lance Smith;
Mike Pierce, St Mary’s, Menston;
CAFOD
Design
Claire Bogue
Map
d-maps.com