Delivering food, shelter, and hope to the poorest of the poor
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The Bethlehem Candle or the Candle of Preparation
As we light the second candle, representing peace, we remember the humble living conditions into which Jesus was born. Because there was no place in Bethlehem for Mary and Joseph to lay their heads, they made their home in a stable and placed Jesus in a manger when he was born. A manger is a feeding trough for animals.
Just as our Savior was born with no comfortable place to lay his head, many children in Haiti are born into similarly difficult situations. They live in makeshift huts made of sticks, scrap plastic and mud — not nearly enough shelter to protect them from the wind, rain, scorching sun and
outside world. Remind your children that this Christmas, they have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the poor.
Scripture Meditations and Reflections:
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 • 2 Peter 3:8-14 • Mark 1:1-8 • Psalm 2
Verse to Memorize
He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.
Isaiah 40:11
Fundraising Activity
Gift Wrapping
Our special Advent campaign is designed to raise money to build homes for Haitian families who currently live in small stick-and-mud huts with flimsy roofs made of rusted metal sheets.
Ask a local retail store whether your family or group can team up to run a gift-wrapping station near the establishment. For donations, offer to wrap exiting customers’ gifts — complete with ribbons, bows, and gift tags. Make sure you tell them their donation will build homes for low-income families in Haiti!
To donate the money raised by participating in activities from the Advent Activity Guide, submit your donation below:
Haiti Fact and Prayer
Did you know that a home in Haiti can be built for $8,580. According to Federal Reserve Economic Research, the median sale price of a home in the United States is $321,400. For the price of one home in the United States, 37 homes can be built in Haiti!
Heavenly Father, I pray that you would give us generous hearts for those who go without safe shelter, food or clothing. Make me an example of your love, grace and kindness in this world. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress; Shelter from the rain, shade from the heat.
Isaiah 25:4