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As we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World, we take the time to reflect and pray for our brothers and sisters around the world.

For each Sunday of Advent, as you light a candle on your Advent Wreath, we have produced a short reflective video, and a prayer from around the country.

You can sign up to receive these videos in your inbox via the sign-up form below.  

The first Sunday of Advent

A prayer of hope

All-Creative God 

We thank you for the many varied colours and textures 

That make up the warp and weft of your creation.

We are grateful for the beauty and diversity that surround us,

Weaving us together with every living thing.

 

Bind us together with our global neighbours,

Women like Morsheda, in Bangladesh, 

Stitching hope into every layer of her material 

And drawing her community together 

In a beautiful patchwork of voices and possibilities.

 

We long for a world where women have choices

And the means and opportunity to craft rich and dignified lives  

for themselves and their families, 

Where their dreams are heard and heeded: 

Full education, reliably livelihoods, equal opportunities,

So their lights can shine brightly.

 

We celebrate that You make all things new.

We are thankful for ancient art forms that bring new hope for the future.

Call us to our place in Your tapestry 

That the threads of our lives might reveal Your glory,

As we hope for a new world of creativity and possibility.

Amen

- Written by Charlie Meiklejohn,

Community Engagement and Fundraising Manager, Christian Aid Scotland.

The second Sunday of Advent

A prayer of peace

Creator God, we give thanks for the passion and creativity of change-makers like Kakoli.

We pray that she and her business may continue to flourish. May she receive encouragement, and be an encouragement, to all those with whom she works.

May, we too, discover the unique creativity you have placed within each one of us.

May we be bold to answer your call and step out in new directions.

We ask that we might find joy and fulfilment in creating a better future not just for our local community but for our global neighbours too.

As we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace let us be people who dare to pray for peace in our conflict-torn world.

Help us to be people who break down walls that create division.

Give us your strength to work for peace and flourishing with others.

Jesus, your light shines brilliantly and expands our understanding of ourselves and our world.

Illumine in our hearts and radiate through our lives, that we may be people of peace, hope, joy and love.

Amen

- Written by David Hart,

British Church Relations Officer and Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer, Somerset and Dorset.

Help us give more women the chance to shine

This Christmas, churches around the UK are supporting Christian Aid by singing carols and fundraising*. If you’ve been inspired by the stories of the women you’ve seen, join them.

As we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World by lighting a candle on our Advent Wreaths, join us on our weekly email journey to receive stories from Bangladesh and suggestions to maximise your fundraising plans as a church.

You’ll find out how Aid Comilla has supported a whole community of women to use their skills to gain ownership over their own money and lives.

We're here to support you every step of the way!

Shine your light in your own communities and make a difference to young women's lives. 

Be sure to also come back to this Advent page every Sunday for a weekly prayerful reflection.

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The third Sunday of Advent

This week's video and prayer will be available on Monday 11 December.

The fourth Sunday of Advent

This week's video and prayer will be available on Monday 18 December.

Give the gift of empowerment

Find out more about how Christian Aid is spreading hope, peace, joy and love this Christmas.