With Christians throughout the world, we enter these weeks of preparing to celebrate at Christmas the birth of Jesus.
While we encounter darkness both within and around us, we light the first Advent candle to remind us of the strength of God’s light to enlighten us to the Truth and to give birth to Hope.
This week we consider ways in which we can nurture Hope in those with whom we live and work.
Let’s also reflect on what might lead women, men and families to leave their homes and risk everything in the Hope of finding a safe place to live. As Christmas approaches, how will we nurture and support their Hope for a secure and dignified life? We pray especially at this time for refugees in Europe, Myanmar, Afghanistan or in detention in our own nations.