Skip to main content

Christian Aid Advent Journey

As we celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace, we take the time to pray for our brothers and sisters around the world, especially those living in situations of conflict and war.

For each Sunday of Advent we have produce a hort reflection, and a prayer from voices around world. These can be read out in your church service, or used for your own personal reflection.

The first Sunday of Advent

Daniel Ayuen works as a Coordinator for Smile Again Africa Development Association in South Sudan. Being born and raised a refugee in Kakuma refugee camp, his personal experience had a huge impact on why he chose to work in the area of disaster relief.

I understand their stories and their problems because I’ve lived these problems myself. Having been born a refugee also influenced my job, in the humanitarian sector. [I chose this] because I felt that at one point in time, I got the help that I clearly needed. And I got this help from people I don’t even know. I don’t know their names. I don’t know what they look like. And their generous contribution helped me to be what I am today.

- Daniel.
Image credits and information i
Credit: David Macharia/Christian Aid
Daniel wearing his SAADO uniform.

It feels linked to me that I have a duty to also give back. And by serving, maybe coming into this work also helps me to repay and to give back so that also stories like mine can be told in different parts of the world: that at one point someone got help and was able to give back to the world to help make this world a better place.

A prayer of hope

God, as we begin our preparations for the birth of Your Son, Jesus, this Christmas, we are deeply aware of the hopelessness our world faces due to ongoing conflicts.  

Yet, our hope lies in Christ, who is coming to renew our world.  

May You fill our hearts with hope for an end to conflicts, such as those in South Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

Empower us to work towards realizing a world where peace reigns and hope is restored.  

May the work of Christian Aid and its partners in conflict zones continue bringing hope to many who need it. 

 
Collect: 
God of hope, strengthen our hearts to act in service of those living with despair. 

Amen

Written by Christian Aid colleague Batanai Padiya.

The second Sunday of Advent

This week's prayer will be available on Tuesday 3 December.

The third Sunday of Advent

This week's prayer will be available on Tuesday 10 December.

The fourth Sunday of Advent

This week's prayer will be available on Tuesday 17 December.

The fifth Sunday of Advent

This week's prayer will be available on Tuesday 23 December.

Want to support Christian Aid’s vital, life-saving work this Advent?

Find all the resources you'll need to prepare for your church service and collection.

More from Christian Aid

Shede's story

Conflict drove Shede and her family to a refugee settlement in South Sudan. Now, it’s a daily challenge to keep hunger and malnutrition at bay.

Christmas Charity Gifts

This Christmas, buy a Charity Gift for a loved one and families around the world to lift themselves out of poverty.