Advent Compassion

We are in a season of caring for others

Advent is a season of noticing what is going on around us.

It is a season of humility.

And caring for others.

Today’s prayers invite us to show compassion to our neighbours.

Read Mary’s song

Our first prayer today is about intentionally taking notice of the needs of our neighbours

I have been reminded several times this week of the joy and satisfaction we receive from being useful to others. Everyone likes to be needed and to have a purpose. Even if we have limited capacity, ability or energy, we can still foster and develop ways to take notice of the needs of our neighbours and act on this knowledge in ways within our own strength.

Our second prayer today is about finding our place in the Christmas story

In our culture the well-to-do give money, goods and services to the poor at Christmas. It often seems that Christmas belongs to the rich. It is those with money who decide when, how and who amongst the poor should receive Christmas. This is so upside down and out of step with the First Christmas. Jesus was born to poor parents, in a lowly animal’s stable, provided by the charity of strangers. His first visitors were humble shepherds. Mary, his mother, sang a song filled with faith and compassion. Christmas belongs to the poor. It can’t be bought and paid for with money or skills or influence.