The fourth Advent candle represents love. It’s called the Angel’s Candle.
This Christmas week, we focus our prayers on the theme of love, reflecting the unconditional love demonstrated through the birth of Jesus. Give thanks this week for people in the Central African Republic (CAR) who have experienced love’s transformative power through Tearfund’s Transforming Communities training.
Sunday 21 December
‘Love never fails.’ (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Valérie, a widowed mother of seven from CAR, overcame grief through community support, enabling her to start a business and transform her family’s life. Pray for the love of Christ through the local church to conquer hardship and support others, particularly widows and single mothers, so they find a path out of loneliness.
Monday 22 December
Solange, a mother of five who also cares for many other relatives, improved her income through a Transforming Communities savings group, enabling her to build houses and provide for her children’s education. Pray for similar support for others, and for love and belonging to be granted to those who struggle.
Tuesday 23 December
Pray for Melanie from CAR, who, after Transforming Communities training, set up her home chapel, formed a women’s empowerment group and built a supportive network for young mothers at church. Thank God for the love of her community and ask him to bless groups like hers.
Christmas Eve 24 December
Pray this Christmas Eve for Tania, a widowed mother, that her community may reflect the love of Christ by supporting her to rebuild her business. As we await the coming of the Saviour, pray for all those who are grieving, that they find comfort, strength and support in their healing through the hope and love he brings.
Christmas Day 25 December
On this joyous Christmas Day, we lift up Gracia, a 21-year- old mother of three from CAR. Having escaped an abusive relationship, she now seeks to provide a loving life for her family through her expanding business. Give thanks for her courage and all who strive for safety and love. May this day fill them with the true spirit of Christmas.
Boxing Day 26 December
Lift up Sonia, a single mother, who works tirelessly to support her children after her husband abandoned her. She dreams of revitalising her business to create a nurturing and supportive home for her family. Give thanks for stories of resilience and hope, and pray for Sonia’s business to flourish, restoring her dignity and stability.
Saturday 27 December
Pray for Esther, a pastor's wife in CAR, who started a literacy course to empower women. Ask for more resources for community projects like this and more people to experience life-changing love through the course. Ask God to provide access to education and literacy for women, and for projects that connect education with loving care and empowerment.
