As we approach the Christmas holidays, we reflect on the joy of the season and look to how children around the world, with your help, are bringing joy to their communities and ours.

Anticipation

You too have to be patient; do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming will be soon. – James 5:7-10

Waiting can feel very tedious at times. But those of us who are spending time around small children right now are more than likely witnessing the barely suppressed jigging and squirmy tummies which will only become more and more pronounced as Christmas comes nearer.

At some point we, as adults, risk losing the anticipation and exciting part of waiting, and instead are left to dwell on the frustrations and tedium of this ‘time in between’.

Children on the other hand, often know far more instinctively that the wait is part of the joy. 

These wonderful young singers and dancers from Pakistan are getting ready for Christmas!  Please say a prayer for the children of Pakistan today, and consider adding a coin to your Red Box in thanksgiving for their song of faith! 

A Joyful activity:

We have lots of great activities to help children have fun and focus on the true message of Christmas. Our ‘Joyful Angels’ activity is a great way to focus on the things which bring us joy. Click here to download>>

Intentional joy

 “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thes 5:16-18)

Joy is often seen as superficial or frivolous. It is neither; if it were, St Paul would not have bothered exhorting Christians to be joyful always! Joy is a deep and fierce resilience, which, when practised, allows us to walk through the broken world without becoming hardened or despairing, but instead, feeling and celebrating the many wonderful moments this life brings.

Joy is not just for Christmas; we also ‘wait in joyful hope’. The image of the jonquil (the daffodil) in the middle of winter and of our Advent waiting, is like the promise of Spring in the darkest months.

On Gaudete Sunday, let’s try to slow down, the better to savour the joy of this beautiful waiting.

A Joyful activity:

Gather round to sing and be joyful together today! Why not sing along to our special Advent Carol, We are waiting? Sing along below.

Gratitude and Joy

“It is not joy that makes us grateful. It is gratitude that makes us joyful.” – David Rast (theologian)

At Missio we are incredibly grateful to you, our amazing supporters and volunteers. Your prayers and donations enable us to help children and families around the world, through the steadfast and selfless work of missionaries. You make a real difference, and we give thanks for you every day.

The children Mission Together support send you these messages of gratitude and joy:

Four simple ways you can support mission this Christmas

• Give: This Christmas, please consider making a special gift to support missionaries around the world, where there is a great need for the Gospel to be shared with struggling communities.
• Pray: Please keep Sr Mary and many other dedicated missionaries like her in your prayers. Your prayers keep them strong as they continue to care for all God’s children in some of the world’s most troubled locations.
• Fundraise: Lots of little actions can make one big change! Could you join together with your family, friends or community to fundraise for Missio? From bake sales to sponsored events, giving your time to raise money is an incredible gift to children around the world, and the missionaries making a vital difference to their lives. Get inspired here>>
• Share: We know times are difficult for families and households here in the UK too. One quick and easy way you can help us is to SHARE our message on social media. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

We asked schools in England and Wales to join us for some carolling! Here are the wonderful children of Sacred Heart Primary, singing Joy to the world. If you enjoyed it, please consider a donation, or pop a coin in your Red Box.