The third Advent candle represents joy. It’s called the Shepherd’s Candle.
Syrian families continue to face the devastating aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes, alongside ongoing conflict and hardship. This week, pray for Tearfund and our partners’ work in the country, supporting Syrians to rebuild their lives and communities after the disaster, finding moments of joy amid hardship.
Sunday 14 December
Many families lost loved ones and their homes in the earthquakes of February 2023. There is still ongoing hardship and displacement. Pray for all those who lost everything. Ask God to give them comfort and moments of joy in their grief, and provide for their needs, that they may find strength to carry on.
Monday 15 December
Leila, a 73-year-old widow in Aleppo, lost her husband and was struggling to care for her two disabled children in a damaged home. Medair, Tearfund’s partner, provided shelter, installing a new door and windows, bringing her a sense of safety and peace, a small spark of joy. Pray for families still in damaged homes, that they would find secure shelter and glimmers of happiness.
Tuesday 16 December
Firas lost his home and suffered the loss of his son. Through vocational training at a Tearfund-supported centre, he found renewed purpose. He began taking on small jobs, providing for his family and improving his mental health. Give thanks for vocational training programmes that provide people with new skills and opportunities for joy.
Wednesday 17 December
Amal, a widow in Aleppo, struggled to provide for her family. Through a cash gift from Medair, she was able to cook a decent meal, pay back debts and replace her daughter’s shoes. ‘I was praying to find a solution,’ she says. ‘What a blessing! I’m filled with joy.’ Give thanks for the joy of transformed lives.
Thursday 18 December
Lamia, a mother of five who has two children with disabilities, faced challenges after the earthquakes. Through cooking classes, she began working as an assistant pastry chef. This increased her income, so she was able to send her children back to school, bringing joy to them all. Pray for resilience for families facing hardships and give thanks for programmes that empower women.
Friday 19 December
After the earthquakes, many people experienced trauma and grief. Mental health support at Tearfund-supported centres has provided safe spaces for people to share and find healing, rediscovering joy. Give thanks for the psychological support and pray that God will bring comfort and peace to traumatised people.
Saturday 20 December
Tearfund is continuing to provide livelihoods, protection and other vital support, working with local partners. Pray for the future of Syria, that God will strengthen people and renew their hope and joy. Ask for blessings on this ongoing work, that it will transform communities and bring a lasting impact of improved wellbeing.
