Advent reflection for 2 December

Today’s readings invite us to rediscover our childhood openness and wonder, in order to believe fully and deeply. It is only through opening our eyes and hearts to Jesus, that we can come to the Father.

Children have a special way of looking at the world. They have a clear sense of what is right and wrong. They feel deeply and most are not afraid to show these feelings, and to act upon them in joy and sadness, fear or anger.

Unfortunately, many children have to experience far too much sorrow and fear. Eight-year-old Zein was living in southern Lebanon when war began. He was terrified of the sound of the explosions, waking every hour to tell his mother that he was scared.

Zein was forced to leave home with his family to travel north to safety. The journey was extremely distressing, as he explains:

“On our way, we saw smoke, airstrikes, destruction and heart-breaking scenes that no one should see.”

Zein loves art, but he had to leave all his drawings and toys behind. The family could only take essentials.

“What I want most is to go back home and for the war to stop. I love my home, and I just want to return, sleep there, and feel safe and comfortable. No one understands the value of home until they leave it.”

In this time of Advent, as the Jubilee Year draws to a close, we listen to the hopes of the young people and children in our world. Hopes for peace and for a future where they can flourish.

Together we can move towards this vision of a better world, one that’s good for everyone.

Advent prayer

God of all,
give us a child-like spirit
of faith and wonder
at all that you have made.
Inspire us to work together
to create a world
where all your children may flourish.
Amen.

Act

Buy a Cheerful children's stocking World Gift for your loved one and spread joy to a child who has fled conflict or disaster with this magical Christmas gift.

Buy a Cheerful children's stocking World Gift