1 DEC
December 15
A space for God in everything
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Matthew 6:11
Reflection
Here in Gulu, Northern Uganda life is more precarious than we are used to. Road accidents and unexpected death are not uncommon, and life depends very immediately on the production of food. Almost everyone grows at least their basic foodstuffs of beans, ground nuts, greens and maize.
As a farmer comes to the garden they will slip of their shoes, pause at the edge and pray.
Every meal begins with a prayer of thanks, every journey with a prayer for safety on the roads; every morning a recognition of the blessings of life.
There is space for the presence of God in every activity, and a need for God’s blessing for every part of life.
When there is loss, or when there is celebration everyone puts what they can into the contribution so that all are able to stand together in community.
Sarah Cawdell TSSF
Africa Province
Reflective Action
LIGHT A CANDLE IN SILENCE
Find a quiet space and light a candle. Gaze gently at its flame.
Now close your eyes and picture the nativity scene in a small African church: children performing the story, neighbours gathered across denominations, voices raised together by candlelight. Drums beat joyfully.
Let the flame and the joy unite in your heart. Let this stillness prepare you for Christmas morning.
Let your being be transformed, not just in silence, but in singing, sharing, and belonging.
Franciscan Quote
“Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brightness of glory! Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance! And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.”
St. Clare of Assisi
(Third Letter to Agnes of Prague)
Prayer
God of glory and simplicity,
form my soul in your image,
and let my heart reflect your joy.
In stillness and in song,
may Christ be born in me.
CULTURAL insight
Some of our churches set up the Crib inside the Church at the beginning of Advent and dismantle it after Christmas.
There is a special evening before Christmas day where carols by candlelight are sung. In some communities they invite other denominations in the neighbourhood, for example, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholics to practise and sing carols by candlelight together.
During this service nine lessons relating to the period from the annunciation to the birth of Jesus are read.
Sunday school children perform the nativity play during the Christmas day Service. On Christmas Day there is so much excitement in the singing of the Carols especially where they play the Organ or drums!
IT IS ALL JOY TO THE WORLD!!
Mabel Mwamuka TSSF
Africa Province
Recognising the Voice of Love
“The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
Matthew 6:11
developmental markers
week 22
In the womb
- About 28–30 cm long (11.5–12 inch), around the size of a large grapefruit
- Weighs about 500–600 grams (1.1–1.3 lbs)
- Stronger ability to detect and respond to sounds; may react to music or voices
- More distinct and rhythmic; baby may respond to external touch or sound
- Developing, practicing “breathing” motions with amniotic fluid
- Beginning to accumulate, helping with temperature regulation after birth
in the mother
- Stronger awareness of baby’s movements (often described as rolling or fluttering)
- Body continues adapting – possible stretch marks, round ligament pain, and increased appetite
- Emotional sensitivity and spiritual reflection may increase
- Thoughts about birth, parenting, and the future often deepen
reflection
As this hidden life continues to grow, something beautiful is taking place. The hearing, already formed, is beginning to tune in more clearly. Sounds from the outside world, familiar voices, music, even the steady rhythm of a heartbeat are becoming part of the first sense of belonging. In the quiet mystery of the womb, learning what it feels like to be close, what feels safe, what is known.
This moment offers a powerful image for our Advent waiting. In life, as in faith, we are shaped by the voices that surround us. Some speak peace, others stir anxiety. Some draw us closer to love, others pull us away. Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd, whose followers learn to recognise his voice- the voice that calls by name, the voice that leads with gentleness and care.
Advent invites us to pause and ask: what voices are shaping us? What do we hear most often?
And how might we make more space for the voice of Christ. That voice that speaks love into our deepest places, even before we fully understand?
In these days of preparation, may we tune our hearts again to that voice – the voice that calls us home, that holds us close, and that longs to shape us from within.
wonderings:
I wonder how it feels to hear someone’s voice and know you belong
I wonder what voices help you feel calm, strong, or loved
I wonder how we listen for God’s voice in our daily lives?
Journaling Prompts
If you keep an Advent Journal, here are some ideas you could write about;
Imagine slipping off your shoes before beginning your work. Imagine every meal, every journey, every morning beginning not with rush or worry – but with prayer. Not as obligation, but as instinct.
A breath. A recognition. In Gulu, daily bread is not a metaphor- it’s the work of hands, the fruit of soil, the grace of survival.
God is invited into every moment, because every moment holds risk, hope, and blessing.
As you journal today, ask yourself gently:
What might change if I paused- before the task, the meal, the meeting – and prayed?
SOUTH AFRICA
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