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2. Welcome! This Advent, as world leaders meet in Paris to discuss how the world will tackle climate change, we will think about the gift of creation and take hope from Pope Francis’ letter to the world, Laudato Si’. We will pray for our sisters and brothers living in poverty around the world, including refugees and those affected by climate change, and meet inspiring people - like Kate, who decided to travel to Paris with CAFOD to demand justice for the poorest. Sunday 29 November First Sunday of Advent “I am going to fulfil the promise I made …I will make a virtuous branch grow for David; who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.” Jeremiah 33:14-16 Kate

3. Kate wants world leaders to know that young people care about the planet and its poorest people. God promised David an heir whose kingdom of peace and justice would never pass away. God’s promise to David was fulfilled when Jesus was born. Let us pray that world leaders, and all of us, will be true to our promises too, so that God’s kingdom may be fully realised. Faithfully loving God, this Advent help us to make good promises, and help us to keep them. Amen. Sign our climate change petition to David Cameron.petition Thousands are marching in London today – read more!read “I am going to fulfil the promise I made …I will make a virtuous branch grow for David; who shall practise honesty and integrity in the land.” Jeremiah 33:14-15 We are called to care for our world faithfully. It is God’s gift, to be treasured. Laudato Si’, 29

4. Monday 30 November Longing for peace This year, we have become more aware of the millions of people fleeing violence and poverty in Syria and other countries. Hanigal fled Syria when her husband disappeared. Born with dislocated hips, she was unable to cope without his support. Now she lives in one room in Lebanon with her baby daughter, Helena: “There are already 15 in the house. We make it 17… We sleep seven in one room. We are all women, but still it is hard.” Hanigal ”Nation will not lift sword against nation, there will be no more training for war.” Isaiah 2:4 Helena and Hanigal

5. In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah gives hope of a time of peace. Whatever the news says, this is not an impossible dream. Peace-building starts with each one of us and the way that we treat the people around us. What can I do to make peace flourish around me today? Lord, I pray for those fleeing war and I pray for peace. Help me to hope in you that peace is possible and take every opportunity you give me to help my sisters and brothers. Amen Read about our partners’ work with refugees.our partners’ work with refugees Say a prayer for refugees.prayer for refugees ”Nation will not lift sword against nation, there will be no more training for war.” Isaiah 2:4 The Holy Spirit will give us the strength that we need to change… Laudato Si’, 29

6. Tuesday 1 December World Gifts Juana lives in Guatemala. Each day she and her four children walked miles to collect water that was not even clean. Thanks to a World Gift from a CAFOD supporter, Juana and her children now have their own water supply: “I am very happy that my children don’t have to walk long distances to pick up water… God bless you!” Juana Pérez Ralios “On him the spirit of the LORD rests.” Isaiah 11: 2 Juana

7. Could a group of you buy a World Gift for Christmas? Order a wallchart and create a virtual village.World Gift wallchart Today’s reading reminds us that the Holy Spirit rested on Jesus and also rests on us. The Spirit prompts us to take action to help those living without access to basic needs, like clean water. Where is the Spirit prompting me to help others today? Holy Spirit, inspire me today. Give me wisdom to know when help is needed and courage to take action. Amen. “On him the spirit of the LORD rests.” Isaiah 11: 2 We have to adapt due to climate change. The world’s poorest people are bearing the brunt… Laudato Si’, 29

8. Wednesday 2 December Climate bloggers This year, 25 young people have been blogging for CAFOD about climate change and how it affects people in LEDCs. At their launch event, they Skyped with Mowdudur Rahman, from our partner in Bangladesh, CCEC. “We were curious about how crops survive in Bangladeshi conditions. He told us that due to the lack of clean water, the crops struggle to grow, so they need crops which can thrive in a mix of clean and sea water.” Emer and Leah Emer, Leah and their fellow bloggers “I do not want to send them off hungry.” Matthew 15:32

9. In low-lying countries like Bangladesh, as climate change affects sea levels, fields used to grow food can become salty. Richer countries have a responsibility to help poorer countries adapt to climate change so that they can grow the food that they need. Jesus told his disciples to share out the food they had among the hungry people. He says the same to us. Lord, help us to share the resources of our world more justly so that everyone has enough to eat. Amen. See the films our bloggers made at their launch event. Read some of their blogs.filmsblogs “I do not want to send them off hungry.” Matthew 15:32 Hunger is spreading and we are compelled to act, for the sake of others… Laudato Si’, 29

10. Thursday 3 December Cut it out In Lent, we told the story of Martin whose community in Myanmar had learned new ways to protect themselves in extreme weather. Schools ‘Cut it out’, raising £265,585 to support our partners’ work. Thank you! Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar when Martin was six: “We took shelter in the school. I can remember people crying out. I felt very scared… The school swayed with the wind and I was afraid it would fall down.” Martin Last Lent, what did you ? “Gales blew and hurled themselves against that house…” Matthew 7:27

11. Jesus used weather imagery in his stories, as his listeners knew what a storm felt like. Sudden storms on the Sea of Galilee were common. But scientists say that tropical storms are likely to become more intense, due to climate change. And 44% of the people most vulnerable to climate change are already living on less than 77p a day. Those who have done the least to cause climate change are the most affected by it. Is this just? Lord, help us to do our Father’s will and seek justice for all. Amen Watch a video about Martin. Remind each other of what you did for Lent this year.video “Gales blew and hurled themselves against that house…” Matthew 7:27 Extreme weather affects the poorest communities more than any others… Laudato Si’, 29

12. Great Generation In March, young leaders at the Flame 2 conference at the SSE Arena, Wembley used giant “chatterboxes” to challenge people to learn more about climate change. “The CAFOD young leaders and gap year volunteers were outstanding. They were passionate and informed and got the message across better than any old director could! We would like to thank them for the important work they do.” Chris Bain, Director of CAFOD Ezara, Jos and Clarisse Friday 4 December “Shall not Lebanon become fertile land and fertile land turn into a forest?” Isaiah 29:17

13. Download and try our chatterbox challenge! See our young people’s web pages for more actions.chatterbox challengeyoung people’s web pages “Shall not Lebanon become fertile land and fertile land turn into a forest?” Isaiah 29:17 Leaving an inhabitable planet to future generations is, first and foremost, up to us. Laudato Si’, 160 We know that we should respect and care for creation so that it can flourish, yet we often damage it by our actions. That is why today’s generation faces the biggest challenges the world has ever known - not least, climate change. We can take hope from Isaiah’s prophecy, that the land will be changed for the better, as God blesses his people. Lord, thank you for the many gifts of creation. May this generation act to protect creation so that our planet and all its people can flourish. Amen.

14. “When he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected…” Matthew 9:36 Saturday 5 December Refugee children At least 5.6 million children are in need of aid inside Syria, according to the United Nations. More than four million Syrians – half of them children – have fled the country since war began. Roger, 17, will leave Damascus for Europe within days: “My father has sold the house to pay the smugglers, even though he believes it’s a suicide mission… I think that staying here is suicide. A mortar can fall on our heads at any time.” Some of the refugees fleeing their countries

15. Find out about helping at your nearest refugee centre. Can your class buy a Refugee World Gift this term?Refugee World Gift If there were bombs falling near my home, how would I feel? What would I do? Jesus saw the crowds, had compassion and helped them. We have the chance to do the same for refugees fleeing to the countries that border Syria and to Europe. Many of the refugees are children. Lord, help those who are welcoming refugees. May we all recognise that every person asking for help has individual needs and deserves to be treated with compassion. Amen “When he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected…” Matthew 9:36 …communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness… Laudato Si’, 91

16. Sunday 6 December Second Sunday of Advent Thirst for change With your Lent 2012 donations doubled by the UK government, we funded a solar-powered water pump in Njobola village, Zimbabwe. “We used to come from the fields, get our buckets and fill them, and up the mountains we came! Sometimes we would hurt ourselves, we would fall and have to go back down and fetch more… Now I get my bucket and collect water from here, very nearby. Life has really changed.” Martha “…Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low.” Luke 3:5 Martha

17. Martha no longer has to walk the hills and valleys to collect water three times a day. For us, the hills and valleys are probably less literal. Advent is a good time to re-landscape our inner lives, in preparation for Christmas. What are the hills to be made low and the valleys that need to be filled in my life? Lord, John the Baptist prepared the way for your coming. Help me to prepare too. Amen. Read more about solar power in Zimbabwe. Make a date to go to Reconciliation this Advent.solar power in Zimbabwe “…Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low.” Luke 3:5 We all need to ask ourselves how we need to change our lives… Laudato Si’, 29

18. Monday 7 December Filled with awe Earlier this year, Bernie Goddard took part in a family day at St John Vianney parish in Blackpool. She ran a stall promoting CAFOD’s One Climate, One World campaign. “It is important to tell people what really matters to us in our world. We have to use our voice to share, to be a microphone.” Bernie “They were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’” Luke 5:26 Bernie (left)

19. When people saw Jesus working a miracle they were filled with awe… and why not! But our world is incredible too. And we are given the awesome privilege of caring for it. Have you taken part in One Climate, One World? If not, join the campaign on our website. Lord Jesus, you did awesome things during your life on earth. Help me to believe you can still do awesome things through my life. Amen. Find out how campaigns make a difference. Take part in our One Climate, One World campaign.campaigns make a differenceOne Climate, One World “They were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen strange things today.’” Luke 5:26 All of creation is incredible. St Francis of Assisi appreciated this… Laudato Si’, 29

20. Tuesday 8 December The Immaculate Conception “Mary, do not be afraid…” Luke 1:30 Year of Mercy In our troubled world, Pope Francis has called for a special Year of Mercy, starting today: “…so that we may become a more effective sign of the Father’s action in our lives.” On Election day, Amber Hill turned 18. As well as voting for the first time, she helped us to celebrate the thousands of people campaigning for action on climate change. “Climate change is one of the issues that matter most to me.” Amber Amber and Anna

21. Follow us @CAFOD on Twitter. Thank someone who has helped you to be brave.@CAFOD “Mary, do not be afraid…” Luke 1:30 By wearing a silly costume, Anna became a walking sign for the campaign, encouraging other people to take action. Signs are effective when they ‘effect’ a change, or make something happen. In today’s Gospel, the ‘yes’ of Mary – Mother of Mercy – was a sign of hope, changing the history of the world. How will I be an effective sign of God’s mercy in the coming year? Lord, help me not to be afraid of standing out from the crowd. Amen. Mary, our mother, is an example for us to follow in giving of ourselves… Laudato Si’, 29

22. Wednesday 9 December Speak up! CAFOD partners in Sri Lanka work with communities to help them to know their rights and to take part in local and national decision making. After a workshop using comics, one workshop member said: “Our culture is a silent culture because most people are oppressed and don’t want to express their feelings… these tools help people to share ideas and express their feelings so that there really is participation and also democracy.” “Lift up your eyes and look. Who made these stars…?” Isaiah 40:26

23. Comic-making enables each person in the community to express what matters most to them and to be part of the debate about changing things. Isaiah says that God not only made the billions of stars but calls each one by name and “not one is missing”. We, however, all too often miss people out. How can I include and value each person I meet today? God our Father, you made and treasure every planet, every star and every person. Help me to do the same. Amen. Make a comicMake a comic about an issue that matters to you. Tell a local radio station about your CAFOD activities. “Lift up your eyes and look. Who made these stars…?” Isaiah 40:26 Creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all… Laudato Si’, 76

24. Thursday 10 December Farming success Climate change is affecting farmers around the world, often reducing crop yield. Mpofu farms in Zimbabwe. With support from CAFOD, he has become expert in a farming method known as conservation agriculture: “There have been changes in times of rainfall and in amount of rain… If there’s not more rain the maize will not produce enough fruit. This method works because it conserves moisture.” Mpofu Konyia (55) “I will turn the wilderness into a lake, and dry ground into waterspring.” Isaiah 41:18 Mpofu

25. Mpofu protects the moisture in the soil with a covering of tree leaves. The maize that he produces is now much more abundant. Mpofu’s farm is now used by government officials as a ’look and learn’ farm, an example for other farmers in his area. How can I be a good example? Lord, my example could help influence other people to protect creation. Help me also to be willing to learn from others. Amen ReadRead how gap year students visited Mpofu’s area. Ask for the World Gift of drought resistant crops.drought resistant crops “I will turn the wilderness into a lake, and dry ground into waterspring.” Isaiah 41:18 One particularly serious problem is the quality of water available to the poor. Laudato Si’, 29

26. A scene from our animation of Laudato Si’ – Pope Francis’ letter to the world Paris lobbying Kate is in Paris with CAFOD to remind world leaders, as they discuss climate change and ways forward, to consider the poorest communities in our world. “Climate change is happening, and it will continue if we don’t start acting now. As a young person I am determined to make sure that our voices are heard and that world leaders listen up. That is why I am in Paris with other CAFOD supporters to inspire, hear, see, act, campaign and pray.” Kate Friday 11 December “This generation… is like children shouting to each other…” Matthew 11:16 Kate

27. Jesus described some members of his own generation as being like children sitting in the marketplace shouting complaints to each other. Kate saw that complaining in the local ‘marketplace’ was not going to effect enough change for the world’s poorest people. That’s why she travelled to Paris. How can my generation demand change to help creation flourish? Lord, Pope Francis says ‘God’s love constantly impels us to find new ways forward’. Impel all of us to find new ways to care for the planet and its people. Amen. Watch our Laudato Si’ animation.Laudato Si’ animation Read blogs from Paris to find out what is being said.blogs from Paris...we know that things can change… Young people demand change. Laudato Si’, 13 “This generation… is like children shouting to each other…” Matthew 11:16

28. Saturday 12 December Open my eyes When their local schools and university were destroyed, Aya’s family left Syria so that she and her sisters could study. They fled to Lebanon. There, Aya received training and is now part of the Caritas Youth Committee, running activities including first aid training for refugees. “My favourite out of all the things we did was the breakfast for the elderly… Usually centres are working with adults or with children, so no one has been thinking about old people who are often lonely and stuck at home.” Aya “Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him… Matthew 17:12 Aya Al Asar

29. Aya and her friends were alert and spotted a need that most people had not noticed. Then they did something about it. In today’s Gospel, Jesus says that most people of his time did not recognise that ‘Elijah’ (John the Baptist) had been a prophet living among them. What is happening around me that I have not noticed? God of surprises, help me to see your presence in unlikely places and reach out to you. Amen. Watch our film about young leaders in the Middle East. Send a Christmas message to someone who is lonely.young leaders in the Middle East “Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him… Matthew 17:12 The misuse of creation begins when we see nothing else but ourselves. Laudato Si’, 6

30. Sunday 13 December Third Sunday of Advent Rainforests Deforestation and pollution from illegal mining threaten both the Amazon rainforest and the future of the Yanomami and Ye’kuana people. They have lived in this beautiful environment for generations. "I am a Yanomami leader and I think the forest gives us life. We value the forest, and for us the forest is priceless. You cannot destroy the Amazon. It is the lungs of the world." Davi Kopenawa Yanomami “…many other things he said to announce the Good News to them” Luke 3:18 Davi

31. John the Baptist announced Good News, yet he was killed. Davi and his people share wise words on creation yet suffer threats, and some have been killed. If the Amazon is “the lungs of the world”, by defending the forest and their way of life, the Yanomami are also defending this planet. CAFOD partners provide the Yanomami and Ye’kuana people with equipment to report threats, vital training about their legal rights and support in lobbying their government. Lord, protect those who defend our planet. May I do the same. Amen. Follow us @CAFOD on Instagram.@CAFOD Listen to Davi speaking in this film (from 2.12-3.40).Davi speaking “…many other things he said to announce the Good News to them” Luke 3:18 May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take away the joy of our hope. Laudato Si’, 244

32. Monday 14 December Close-up on Climate CAFOD is part of the Climate Coalition. St Mary’s school in Blackpool took the coalition’s Close-up on Climate challenge to make a film to raise awareness of climate change. The judges chose their chocolate-themed film as the most creative and inspiring in their age category. “If the temperature increases by two degrees by 2050, West Africa will be unsuitable for cocoa production... where most cocoa is produced.” “I see him, but not in the present, I behold him, but not close at hand.” Numbers 24:17

33. Watch the filmWatch the film by St Mary’s ‘Regeneration’ group. Post a photo that says “Act now on climate!” @CAFOD@CAFOD The film-makers said how much they love chocolate! But also explained that hotter weather due to climate change is drying up the cocoa beans and for many families in West Africa cocoa is their only source of income. Like Balaam in today’s reading, they are looking to the future. “We need to take care of our planet more, to make sure that things like this don’t happen. It’s not too late to change!” Lord, give me the gift of wisdom and help me to consider the future impact of my actions. Amen. “I see him, but not in the present, I behold him, but not close at hand.” Numbers 24:17 Christians, in a special way, are called to care for creation… Laudato Si’, 29

34. Tuesday 15 December Working the land One of our gap year volunteers, Steph, met Jose when she visited our partners in Nicaragua earlier this year. Jose told her, “Land is life”, and it brought home to her that, for Nicaraguans, people and land are very much connected. “Many of the people we have met have been dependent on the land for their livelihoods… Whether they have enough food to eat or sell depends upon the climate that year.” Steph “The son answered ‘I will not go’ but afterwards thought better of it and went…” Matthew 21:31 Jose

35. We have neglected the needs of the earth, but it is not too late. The reading today reminds us that the brother who at first refused to work, later changed his mind and went to his father’s vineyard. Advent is a good season to remember the times we have not done what we ought to have done… and to get on with it! My actions count. What have I neglected to do? Lord, I’m sorry that I sometimes avoid your call. Help me to change course and to serve others as you did. Amen. Find out what help your local CAFOD centre needs. Make your own list of ways you can change the world.local CAFOD centre “The son answered ‘I will not go’ but afterwards thought better of it and went…” Matthew 21:31 Many things have to change course, but it is we human beings above all who need to change. Laudato Si’, 202

36. Wednesday 16 December Lobby for change In June, pupils from St Mary’s school, Newcastle joined us and thousands of people to lobby Parliament on climate change. They met their MP, Catherine McKinnell, to speak up for the world’s poorest. One student said: “From this trip we have all learnt the importance of our individual contribution, and even the smallest change can help stop this global issue.” “..who formed the earth and made it, who set it firm, created it no chaos, but a place to be lived in” Isaiah 45:18 St Mary’s students with their MP

37. God created the world to be lived in. Now, many parts of the world are increasingly difficult to live in, due to the impacts of climate change. Pope Francis tells us to care for Earth, as if we were caring for a neighbour. How can I be a good neighbour to the Earth today? Lord, I pray for everyone who lives in a place where pollution, extreme weather, rising sea levels or melting glaciers is making life difficult. Help us to repair the chaos that human actions have caused. Amen See a film about the lobby by St James’ school, Barnet.film about the lobby Write a letter to your MP. We can help you to do this.We can help you “..who formed the earth and made it, who set it firm, created it no chaos, but a place to be lived in” Isaiah 45:18 Earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor. Laudato Si’, 2

38. Thursday 17 December A thirst to read Martha loves reading but with no clean water at school she used to take books home to read. Then CAFOD’s partner repaired the borehole near the school. “I can attend school fully because hygiene and illness are not now a problem. And I can stay in the dorms at school because they are clean. I can concentrate at school. Often I study until six in the evening.” Martha (15) “In his days justice shall flourish…” Psalm 72:7 Martha

39. Next Lent we will share more about Martha and her school. She and her friends are doing great things. Many children miss out on an education because of lack of access to water. Climate change threatens to make this problem even worse. For justice to flourish, and all children to be able to go to school, we need to act on climate change. Lord, thank you that I can read. Help us to build a world where everyone has access to clean water and every child can go to school. Amen. Find out about our World Gift of Reading. Order World Gifts today for cards before Christmas.World Gift of Reading “In his days justice shall flourish…” Psalm 72:7 Peace, justice and the preservation of creation… cannot be separated. Laudato Si’, 92

40. Friday 18 December International Migrants Day Syria Conflict rages in many countries and peace seems far off. Five years of war in Syria have killed thousands of people and millions have fled their homes. “As President of Caritas Syria, I have chosen to stay so I can lead distributions of food and emergency supplies… But our work is becoming harder, because more and more of our staff are leaving the country... We, and all Syrians, need peace above all else.” Bishop Antoine Audo, Aleppo “…and peace till the moon fails.” Psalm 72:7 Bishop Audo

41. On International Migrants Day 2005, Pope Benedict said: “The tendency is to stop at the question of their arrival while disregarding the reasons for which they left their native lands.” His words still apply today. Often the reason is war. But we are a people of hope. Even in the darkness of war, the actions of CAFOD’s sister agency Caritas Syria are evidence to others that God is always present and loves them deeply. Lord of peace, we pray for our sisters and brothers who are caught up in war. May your peace come. Amen. Spend two minutes imagining life in Syria. Say a decade of the rosary for peace. “…and peace till the moon fails.” Psalm 72:7 In the heart of this world, the Lord of life, who loves us so much, is always present. Laudato Si’, 245

42. Saturday 19 December Hope in God Hope in God Schools raised an amazing £204,243 for our Nepal appeal after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in April. As a result, our partners provided food, shelter, emergency supplies and hope to thousands of people. Saraswoti, 13, was in the fields when the earth began to shake: “My mother started shouting at us to run, so I ran, I was so afraid.” Saraswoti’s school was destroyed. Our partners provided six tent classrooms until it can be rebuilt. “It is you, O Lord, who are my hope, my trust, O Lord, since my youth.” Psalm 71:5 Saraswoti

43. We are still supporting people affected by the earthquake. In October, as winter approached, our partners were delivering ‘winter kits’, including blankets, tarpaulins, foam mats and grants for clothing and fuel. Everyone needs hope in order to keep going. Today’s psalm reminds us that all our hope ultimately comes from God. We are called to share that hope with others. What do I hope for? Lord, I place all my hope in you. Amen. Request a CAFOD collection box Request a CAFOD collection box for your classroom. To help others, save money by forgoing a treat. “It is you, O Lord, who are my hope, my trust, O Lord, since my youth.” Psalm 71:5 All it takes is one good person to restore hope! Laudato Si’, 71

44. Sunday 20 December Fourth Sunday of Advent Called to respond Tobi completed our young leader sixth form programme in July and came back in autumn to volunteer at CAFOD’s head office once a week. “I now have a new perspective on life. The amount of teamwork that goes on in one part of the world to help another in need fascinates me. It’s amazing to know that when we put our heads together we can actually make a change. I’ve learnt that love has no barriers.” Tobi “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42 Tobi

45. Tobi’s perspective changed a lot over the last year and she says that she is now a different person. But in today’s Gospel we hear about another young girl, Mary, whose life was about to change more than she could possibly imagine. Our experiences in life, and our responses to them, shape the persons that we become. Mary, your response to the joys and sorrows in your life was always to love. Teach me how to do the same. Amen. Read Tobi’s blog about her year with CAFOD. Contact your local CAFOD centre and offer to help.bloglocal CAFOD centre “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” Luke 1:42 She treasures the entire life of Jesus in her heart, and now understands the meaning of all things. Laudato Si’, 241

46. Monday 21 December Peru’s glaciers Last October, Jesy Romero, who works with our partner CEAS, travelled to the UK: “Latin America is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, yet some people don’t know about the scarcity of water in Peru. My country has 70 per cent of the world’s tropical glaciers and, in the region where I work, I can see how they are melting at an alarming rate.” Jesy asked people to raise awareness of climate change but she also asked for prayer. “...show me your face, let me hear your voice.” Song of Songs 2:14 Jesy Romero

47. “Prayer is a very important force for us in Peru – prayer and action go hand in hand. When we were in Newcastle visiting CAFOD supporters, we met people who go on pilgrimage regularly and pray for a particular aspect of CAFOD’s work. We talked about them praying for us in Peru. I think these types of spiritual actions are really important…” Who is God asking me to pray for today? Lord, thank you that you delight to hear my voice when I talk to you. Teach me to be generous in my prayer for others. Amen Read Jesy’s blog. Make peace this Advent with someone you have hurt.Jesy’s blog “...show me your face, let me hear your voice.” Song of Songs 2:14 Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Laudato Si’, 246

48. Tuesday 22 December Sustainable energy In the Ugandan village of Nakambi, thanks to one of our partners, villagers have learned how to build ingenious stoves. These stoves produce less smoke, so are much healthier, but they also use far less wood, so fewer trees are cut down and the environment is conserved. The old cooking method – a pot balanced over three large stones - needed 15 logs to cook one meal; with the new stove only one log is needed. “He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.” Luke 1:52 Lucy Awilli using a new stove

49. Some of the world’s poorest communities are leading the way in reducing emissions and using energy more sustainably. And Nakambi villagers are making an income in the process by selling stoves at the local market. In today’s Gospel, Mary praises God for lifting up the lowly, turning the world on its head. How can I live more sustainably for the sake of the poorest people in our world? Lord, inspire me by the example of those who live simply and walk lightly on the earth. Amen. Watch actor, Ben Price, visiting Nakambi.Ben Price, visiting Nakambi Share your lunch with someone today. “He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly.” Luke 1:52 Efforts to promote a sustainable use of natural resources are not a waste of money… Laudato Si’, 82

50. Wednesday 23 December Modern messengers The prophet Malachi was a messenger for God. He foretold the coming of another messenger, John the Baptist. But how would Malachi and John have communicated their messages if they lived today? Perhaps they would have used technology, social media or television broadcasts. Or would they have stuck with face-to-face encounters to get their message across? “I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me.” Malachi 3:1 A scene from our animation of Laudato Si’ – Pope Francis’ message to the world

51. There’s a lot to be said for both approaches. Social media might reach more people more quickly, but it’s hard to match the quality of a deep conversation. Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ calls us to have real relationships and avoid information overload. Then we will be better able to hear the joys and pains of other people, and of creation itself. What message is creation giving to me? Creator of all, speak to me in the wonders you have created. Amen Watch a video about how climate change affects you.video Catch up with someone you haven’t spoken to lately. “I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me.” Malachi 3:1 For the believer, to contemplate creation is to hear a message… Laudato Si’, 85

52. The light of hope At Harvest, we shared the story of Isabel from El Salvador. In an area dominated by poverty and gang violence, she and her friends help younger children to build a brighter future: “We work with them so that when they get to our age they’ll say to themselves, ‘Let’s change things in our country’.” Inspired by their example, thousands of you Brightened Up for Harvest to support this and other projects around the world. Thursday 24 December Christmas Eve “Our God will bring the rising sun to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness...” Luke 1:78-79

53. As Zechariah says in today’s reading, God has visited his people, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. In the darkness of gang violence, war or poverty, God’s people look to us too for hope. How will I make the world a brighter place in the year ahead? Jesus, this Christmas, may your birth give hope to all who feel as if they live in darkness. Amen. See how some schools Brightened Up this Harvest.schools Brightened Up See how some teachers Brightened Up this Harvest!teachers Brightened Up “Our God will bring the rising sun to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness...” Luke 1:78-79 Injustice is not invincible. Laudato Si’, 74

54. The greatest gift Today we celebrate the greatest gift of all – Jesus, given to us by the Father, born to bring good news to the poor. To people like eleven-year-old Gharam, who lives in poverty as a Syrian refugee in Lebanon: “If I could have anything, I’d wish for a change of clothes, a telephone so I could call my father to find out how he is and that I could return to how life was before. My brother wishes for a toy car, a pet bird and ‘to live in peace’.” Friday 25 December Christmas Day “The shepherds went back glorifying and praising God…” Luke 2:20 Gharam and her brother, Nafeh

55. Jesus was born in a borrowed stable. Too many children are still born into poverty and many refugee children are living in borrowed rooms or in camps. Today we thank God for the hope he gives us, that he will help us to build a just world where war and poverty are no more and where all children can grow up with a safe place to live. Like the shepherds - Rejoice! Jesus, you enter into our poverty and transform it. Empower me with hope to live and share your good news for all. Amen. Say a grace before Christmas lunch, in thanksgiving. Save some Christmas money to donate for refugees. “The shepherds went back glorifying and praising God…” Luke 2:20 Today you are alive in every creature in your risen glory. Praise be to you! Laudato Si’, 246

56. Picture credits Papal image: Mazur/Catholicnews.org.uk Other images: Caritas Internationalis and CAFOD Design Claire Bogue Maps d-maps.com