Joan Osborne – One of us
1 DEC
December 11
Joy in Giving: The Heart of Generosity
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35
Reflection
She had been self-employed for 20 years, spending carefully, struggling when there was no work. Then suddenly £400 appeared in her bank account – her first pension. Totally unexpected! She had never thought about becoming an OAP.
He was a young man leaving school, seeking his first job. A simple office placement was offered by a local counselling charity, but where would they find the minimum wage of £400 to pay him?
Challenged by the need she gave her pension, in its entirety. She had managed without it the month before, so she could manage now.
After all, it was just for one month, and the Lord would look after her.
The next month £400 was again in her account, and again she gave it for his wage. And the next month… and the next…
20 years later the boy is General Manager. “I don’t know how we would do without him”, writes the CEO. Joyfully she reads the glowing report of his success and praises God for using her gift in this way.
Ann Leigh TSSF
European Province.
Reflective Action
LIGHT A CANDLE IN SILENCE
Take a few minutes today to sit quietly and light a candle
As the flame flickers, let it represent the growing anticipation of Christ’s presence in your life and in the world.
Imagine Mary holding the light of Christ within her and then
imagine that same light being born in you. Let this flame be a promise:
That even in uncertainty, love is growing. That in prayer and generosity, Christ is near.
Franciscan Quote
‘O loving mother, hail Mary, filled with the Spirit’s gift,The Lord be with you, you who are blessed among women, And blessed the fruit of your womb.’
And say those words for as long and as often as your devotion lasts. For through these you ponder the first joys of Christ’s mother; So may he help you reach the joys of the future.
(The Versified Life St Francis by Henri d’Avranches The 7th book 10-11.)
Prayer
O God of joy and justice,
as we wait
with the faithful of Africa,
let our prayers kindle hope,
our fasting deepen peace,
and our love prepare
a place for Christ.
CULTURAL insight
South Africa
The Advent season in Africa is a time of spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ focused on prayer, fasting and charity work.
The most common activities are Advent Wreaths, special services focused on themes of hope, peace, love and joy for a period of four weeks.
A candle is lit each week for each theme from the first Sunday of advent to the fourth Sunday symbolizing the growing anticipation of Christ’s birth.
Some of our churches conduct weekly Advent courses in study groups .
Some people do individual study with passages specifically chosen on the coming of Christ.
Mabel Mwamuka TSSF
African Province
Known Before We Speak
“Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely.”
Acts 20:35
developmental markers
week 19
In the womb
- Size: ~15–16 cm (6 inches), mango-sized
- Developing senses – especially sound and touch
- Vernix (protective coating) forms on skin
- Baby may respond to music, voice, and gentle pressure
in the mother
- Movement increasingly distinct
- Possible lower back pain or hip shifts
- Stronger emotional bonding as the baby responds to touch or sound
reflection
This week, the tiny life hidden in the womb grows to around the size of a mango. The baby’s senses are developing, especially the ability to hear and feel. The sound of a heartbeat, the rhythm of breathing, the hum of familiar voices, and even gentle touch begin to shape the baby’s earliest experiences of connection and belonging.
It is a mystery both tender and profound- to be known without words, to be loved before anything can be spoken or understood. Long before the baby can respond with speech, the relationship has already begun. The child is recognised and loved simply by being present.
In this season of Advent, we are reminded that God meets us in the same way. Before our words are formed, before our prayers are spoken, we are already known. God listens not just to our voices, but to the quiet rhythms of our lives- the longing, the ache, the hope that stirs within us.
Today offers a quiet invitation: to rest in the truth that we are held in God’s presence just as we are, without needing
to perform or explain. Like the child in the womb, we are already seen, already heard, already loved. Even in mystery, God draws near.
wonderings:
I wonder what it feels like to be known before you can speak
I wonder how God hears us when we don’t have words
Journaling Prompts
If you keep an Advent Journal, here are some ideas you could write about;
Think of a time when you gave something, your time, money, skills, or presence, without knowing what the outcome would be. What did it cost you? What joy (or challenge) did it bring?
Now consider: Is there something you have today that you could offer freely and generously, into God’s hands?
You may wish to draw a hand (or draw around your hand)
Write a short prayer or intention, offering that could go into that hand space.
“I offer this… Lord, may it bless more than I can see.”
January 15, 2026
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