2022

FAMILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Getting Ready for the Coming of Christ
 A Journey to the Manger
with Food For The Poor

FOREWORD
By: Cydney Hartner
Program Manager/Communications

Good Shepherd Village is a community in Haiti served by Food For The Poor and a special church
partner in Virginia. Once a place of great need and despair, this village now includes 120 secure
homes, a community center, a school, a clinic, and a marketplace where community members can sell
and trade goods.
With the support from Food For The Poor, solar-powered street lamps were also installed throughout
the community. Compared to the blessings of home, healthcare, and a livelihood, street lamps may
sound simple. However, these lamps were completely transformative for the people of Good Shepherd
Village. Before their installation, life for the residents of this community stopped after dark. Without
light, working or even socializing after sundown was impossible and potentially unsafe.
The solar-powered lamps, and similar solar-powered lighting in individual homes, allowed life to
continue after dark in the community. People no longer had to fear being outside when the sun went
down. Children were able to study for school. Families and friends could spend more time together.
Many in the community had never had access to lights of any kind, so the excited and somewhat
bewildered children began referring to the street lamps as a “moon on a stick.”
By providing Good Shepherd Village with a “moon on a stick,” we quite literally brought light to
the deepest darkness of the night.
There is much darkness – a deep figurative darkness – in the developing world. We’ve met starving
and dying children. We’ve seen families living in shacks made of scrap metal and cardboard. We’ve
cried with the mother who lost her baby during childbirth due to a lack of basic medical care.
During this season, I can’t help but think of another dark night. This one took place over 2,000
years ago in biblical Bethlehem. Not unlike our modern world, it was a time of turmoil and turbulence.
Distrust, unrest, and violence abounded. It was a world shrouded in darkness, clinging to hope. A young
mother brought a baby into that mess without proper medical care and in the most humble of ways. But
what a baby that would be. A Savior, sent to change the world with His marvelous, perfect light.

1 © 2022 Food For The Poor

 INTRODUC TION TO TH E GU IDE

God sent that baby to save the people of Bethlehem…to save the people of Haiti … to save you and me.
Within this devotional, you will find messages from our clergy speakers and staff, sharing more
about the power of light. As we await the coming of the Light of the World together, we pray that these
meditations will touch your heart and illuminate your journey to the manger. Just as flames ignite and
spread, we encourage you to pass this devotional along to friends and members of your congregation.
Shine on this season and always as a light in the darkness. As a city on a hill. Or as our friends in
Haiti would say, as a “moon on a stick.”

I NTRO D U C TIO N TO TH E G U I D E
The Meaning of Advent
Advent is a season of waiting, expecting, and hoping. It begins four Sundays prior to Christmas
and ends on Christmas Eve. In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for the “advent” of Christ
at Christmas.
Advent is a word that means “coming” or “visit.” In the Christian season of Advent, we prepare for
the “advent” of Christ at Christmas.
Our preparation includes many things:
■ We remember Israel’s hope for the coming of God’s Messiah to save, forgive, and restore.
■ We remember our hope for the second coming of Jesus.
■ We remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins.
■ We prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas into our world . . . and into our hearts.
By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we are intentional about preparing our hearts for the
birth of Jesus. The candles have different meanings inspired by scripture and help us understand how
special the birth of Jesus is for us.

Preparing for the Coming of Christ

In this season, we put ourselves back into shoes—or sandals—of the Jewish people who longed for
the coming of the Messiah. At the same time, we remember that we are also awaiting the second advent
of Jesus, when his kingdom will fill the earth. Thus, Advent is a serious time of getting in touch with
our hope and yearning. Yet, it is also a joyous time because we know that Christmas is coming and
that the Savior was indeed born among us.

Introduction to the Advent Wreath

For hundreds of years, Christians have used an Advent wreath to inspire their hopes for the coming
of Christ. Through practices including lighting candles and reading Bible verses, we are reminded
about the meaning of Christ’s birth and we grow excited about his coming in the past, in the future,
and in our own lives.

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 INTRODUC TION TO TH E GU IDE

Advent wreaths take a variety of shapes and forms. Some are made of actual pine and fir branches,
but many other materials can be used. They also vary in size, from a few inches wide to a few feet wide.
If you search for “Advent wreath” in Google images, you’ll see a wide variety of options.

About Advent Candles

All Advent wreaths include candles. Four candles are placed around the wreath and one candle is set
in the center. That candle, which signifies the birth of Jesus Christ, is often called the “Christ Candle.”
Many churches position the four candles to symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love. In this devotional
guide, we will focus on these four themes of Advent.
Advent wreaths employ candles with a variety of colors. Some wreaths use all white candles; others
use three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle in the middle. The colors have
symbolic meanings, but there is not one orthodox arrangement. We will recommend which color
candle to light, but please feel free to customize as you wish.
Customizing This Guide
What follows is a guide for personal, family, or corporate worship that can accompany lighting the
candles of the Advent wreath. You can do this on your own with a real Advent wreath. You can also
use this guide with family and/or close friends. All families are different, and we encourage you to
adapt this to the needs of your family. Parents or adult leaders will also want to make changes to fit the
developmental stages of children.
Using the Guide at Home
The most important book you need to use along with this guide is your Bible. There are scripture
references provided along with each week’s devotional. We encourage you to have your Bible open on
the table and take turns reading the passages together and discussing them.
You will also need an Advent wreath and five candles. You can purchase Advent wreath sets online
or from some Christian bookstores, but it’s also easy to make your own Advent wreath. In fact, making
a wreath can be part of the fun for a family. Be creative as you fashion your wreath, perhaps twisting
fir branches around a circular wire frame. You’ll want four candles on the circle of the wreath and one
candle in the middle. (One word of warning: Remember that dry fir branches are quite flammable, so
keep branches away from flames.)
Set aside time during the four Sundays prior to Christmas for using this devotional guide. The
first Sunday in Advent this year is November 27. The lighting ceremony takes only about 10 minutes,
though you can add personal elements if you wish. If you can’t make time on a Sunday, it’s fine to light
the candles on Saturday or any other day you choose.
May you be showered with God’s richest blessings as you prepare for Christ’s coming!

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 TH E FIRST SU N DAY OF ADVENT

This Little Light of Mine

By: Reverend Carola von Wrangel
Manager of Episcopal Partnerships

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be
hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead
NOVEMBER 27, 2022

they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the
same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good
deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  –Mt. 5:14-16

In the Northern Hemisphere, Advent takes place during the darkest time of the
year. Such darkness can evoke fear, hopelessness, isolation, and need. How are we part
of the answer to such darkness? How can we reach out to those stumbling within it?

Jesus tells us He is the Light of the World. Then He instructs us to also let our light
shine. Is there a difference between being the light and holding a light? Can we even be
the light, or is that just Jesus’ job? There are so many questions! 

I have a favorite hymn, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light.” The chorus reads: 
In Him, there is no darkness at all
The night and the day are both alike
The Lamb is the light of the city of God
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.1

We are drawn into a life-giving relationship of love and hope, kindling in us His
Light that transforms the darkness. This light is not meant to be concealed under a
bowl, but put on a stand to illuminate and brighten the way for those around us! Jesus,
the Light of the World, shines in us and through us. And the world sees that great
Light—and sees Jesus—through our love and service. That is such joyful news for this
season of Advent. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

How can we let our light shine? The possibilities are endless in your neighborhood
and beyond. Picture this:

A family in Honduras lives in a shack made of plastic tarp covering some sticks. There
are no windows and they lift the edge of the tarp to go in and out. With hunger, despair, and
sickness, they live in darkness. When this family receives the keys to their newly constructed,
secure home, in a community of hope, their eyes and faces light up! They are transformed.
They give glory to our Father in heaven. Shine in their hearts, Lord Jesus.
1 Kathleen Thomerson, ℗ 2012 OCP. All rights reserved.

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 TH E FIRST SU N DAY OF ADVENT

Scripture Readings
Matthew 5:14-16; Isaiah 40:1-11; Isaiah 9:2; Revelation 7:9-17

Reflection Questions
What things can you do differently during this Advent season that will help the light of Christ
shine even brighter through you?
Discuss ways can you share this light with others. What practical things can you do for others this
Advent season?

Lighting the First Candle

[As someone lights the first purple candle, the following should be read or paraphrased.]
“We light this candle because like God’s people centuries ago, we also look forward with hope to
the coming of the Shepherd. The purple color of the candle reminds us of the importance of our hope.”

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 TH E SECON D SU N DAY OF ADVENT

A Light Switch for Christmas

By: Pastor Nicholas Armogida
Evangelical Clergy Speaker

“The people living in darkness

have seen a great light;
DECEMBER 4, 2022

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

a light has dawned.”  –Mt. 4:16

When do you last remember the Christmas season feeling “magical”? For me, it’s
been a while. I enjoy the music, lights, and family time. I also loathe the over-commer-
cialization, financial stress, and busyness. Gone are the days of Christmas feeling fun
and simple. Usually, I try to ignore the pressure and do my best to endure to the new
year. But, for me, it is often difficult to feel anything “magic” surrounding Christmas-
time.

Then I’m reminded that many have never felt that “magic” at all. Many people are
living in such extreme poverty that they are simply trying to survive another day. In
this season of lights, much of humanity sits in darkness.

When was the last time you sat in darkness? Turned off all the electronics with
your senses adjusting to the absence of light? I bet it’s been a while. Remember what
darkness does to you? Your vision slowly adjusts to what little, precious light surrounds
you. The darkness changes you and you grow accustomed to it.

In Matthew 4:16, scripture paints a word picture for us—we diminish in seasons
of emotional darkness. During them, we learn to cling to the little, precious light and
what hope we have. But under the “shadow of death,” we have no hope. Imagine how
that darkness would change you.

The story of the Bible never ends in darkness. God’s presence shines, bringing
illumination and order to everything. And aren’t you glad we live on this side of Good
Friday’s darkness? I have hope because of Jesus coming, dying, and rising again. His
light has dawned. There is still much gloom in this world, but He continues to shine
and bring hope to those sitting in darkness. That light is bright enough to reach the
darkest corners of the developing world. That light is bright enough to reach the darkest
corners in me. How is that for change?

Remember, God’s favorite light switch is you and me. During this season of Advent,
when we light each candle, let us remember the great light —Jesus — dawned to give

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 TH E SECON D SU N DAY OF ADVENT

light to the darkness, and hope to the hurting. Let us also allow our own flames to burn, sharing hope
and joy, and making this season brighter for those we encounter.

Scripture Readings
Luke 1:26-38; John 4:12-17; Isaiah 11:1-10 

Reflection Questions
What are ways that we can help others experience the wonder of Christmas this season?

Try and identify some sources of darkness in people’s lives around you. Are they trapped in
loneliness, isolation, homelessness, poverty, joblessness or financial insecurity? What are some specific
ways you can bring hope and light to these individuals? This week, try to brighten the world of one
other person (or family) who is trapped in dark circumstances.

Lighting the Second Candle

[Re-light the first purple candle and light a second purple candle.]
“We light this candle because, like God’s people centuries ago, we also need a Savior who will
forgive our sins and bring us peace. The purple color reminds us of the darkness of our sin and our
great need for God’s forgiveness and everlasting peace.”

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 TH E THIRD SU N DAY OF ADVENT

Overcoming the Darkness

By: The Reverend Robert E. White
Manager of Catholic Ecclesiastical Partnerships

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness

has not overcome it.” –John 1:5
DECEMBER 11, 2022

In the first chapter of John, we hear his Christmas Story. Void of all the trappings
of Matthew and Luke, John’s version goes to the very core of the theology of the Incar-
nation. (Cf. Jn. 1:1-5; Jn. 1-21)

In writing about Jesus, John is echoing the creation account. God is the source of
life and light, and Jesus is God’s light sent to pierce through the darkness. Jesus is the
eternal Word, the Word that is God, the Creator of everything, the life, and the light
in this darkened world. That light is God’s life. And the life of Christ serves as a light
to all people.

Scripture often equates darkness with evil. Our sinful nature leads us to choose
paths of darkness and there are plenty of them in this broken world. Violence. Jealousy.
Hatred. Darkness is also thrust upon so many. They suffer devastating illnesses, they
are victims of violence, or they are without food and shelter. Each day they struggle and
hope to see the light, surrounded by unbearable, impossible circumstances.

Christmas is not just about a baby born in a manger. It’s about His power to
give new birth to anyone who receives Him. Christmas is not just an historical event
in Bethlehem; it’s a transcendent reality meant to change your life today and for all
eternity. Through Christ, those who choose to live in darkness can be constantly
challenged and those who have darkness thrust upon them can be given hope.

The world is beautiful for those who live in light. We can bring the light of Christ
to others, letting those in darkness know about Jesus. We can share the good news that
He is alive and is actively working in our world and our hearts.

As hard as the darkness may try, it can never overcome the Light.

Scripture Readings
John 1:1-5; Isaiah 35:1-10 

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 TH E THIRD SU N DAY OF ADVENT

Reflection Questions
How can you help others to understand the difference between an historical event of Jesus’ birth
and the truth that His birth changed the hearts of believers for all eternity?
What brings hope to others in your family? Where do you find hope? Share any other passages of
scripture that give you great hope.
Lighting the Third Candle
[Re-light the first two purple candles and the pink candle for joy.]
“We light this candle because, like God’s people centuries ago, we know that God has come in
Christ and that Christ will come again. We rejoice in God’s work in the past and in the future. The
pink color means joy!”

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 TH E FOU RTH SU N DAY OF ADVENT

Feeling Lighter this Christmas

By: Reverend Paul Short
Manager of Lutheran Partnerships

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of

the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness
DECEMBER 18, 2022

but will have the light of life.” –John 8:12

Often, when we are in the dark, we want there to be light. Not always, of course.
We usually desire darkness while at a movie theater or while we sleep (unless we’ve just
watched a horror film at the theater). But we do not like to walk in the dark. If we are
walking in the dark, we want to use the glow of our cell phone, a regular flashlight,
or a lantern to guide us. It really helps if pathways are well lit. We feel less secure in
the dark.

As we prepare for our celebration of Christmas, we recall that our Heavenly Father
sent His only Son into a world of darkness. So much of the world did not know about
the love of our true God. We humans were floundering around in our own sinful
hopelessness and helplessness. We were trying to poke our way through the darkness
in our own way. No flashlight was capable of piercing this darkness and despair. We
were in great need of grace.

In the event preceding Jesus’ referring to Himself as the “Light of World,” he was
confronted with a woman who had been living in the darkness of her sinful ways. Much
like you and I have been known to do, those who were pointing their fingers at her
and Jesus were also walking around in their own darkness, as Jesus demonstrates. But
Jesus pierces the darkness of the woman’s sin – and ours — with his words, “Neither do
I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” We are no longer condemned and we
can go forth with the promise that forgiveness is already ours. That’s light in darkness!

One of the ways Food For The Poor answers the call of Matthew 25 is through
a prison release program. I’m not sure there are many darker places on earth than a
prison in the developing world. Many of the people behind bars are jailed for crimes
like stealing food to give to their hungry children, or the inability to pay back a loan.
Every year, in the seasons of Christmas and Easter, Food For The Poor pays the fines
for non-violent offenders so they can be released and given a fresh start. They are no
longer condemned and can go forth with the promise that forgiveness is already theirs.
May the Light of Jesus brighten the way you live and love others!

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 TH E FOU RTH SU N DAY OF ADVENT

Scripture Readings 
John 8:1-12; Isaiah 7:10-14; Luke 2:8-20; John 9:1-5

Reflection Questions
As we meditate on Jesus’ sacrificial love for each of us, how can you show sacrificial love to others
in your life?
Contemplate how great God’s love is for us. What are ways that we can grow even deeper in our
love for our Lord? What are some specific ways you can show deeper forgiveness to others who may
have wronged you?

Lighting the Fourth Candle

[Re-light the first three candles and light the final purple candle.]
“We light this candle because we look forward with eagerness to the birth of a child, the son of
Mary and the Son of God! The purple color reminds us of God’s love for us as we look forward to the
birth of His son, Jesus.”

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 CH RISTMAS E VE

The Lighting of the Christ Candle

Our Wait is Over!

By: Kevin Mayne
Director of Denominational Expansion
DECEMBER 24, 2022

Christmas Eve is finally here! My hope for your household is that you can pause
and rest, knowing that the malls are now closed and the shopping frenzy is officially
over. Maybe now the real celebration can begin! I invite you to stop and reflect on the
beauty of Christ’s coming and on the special people who surround you this Christmas.

Having grown up as a preacher’s kid, I always knew where I would be on Christmas

Eve. As a child, I waited through multiple Christmas Eve services before finally
gathering at home around the dinner table and tree with my family. But even then,
despite waiting for gifts and dinner, I looked forward to the profound experience of
singing “Silent Night” and lighting the candles at church.

During the holidays, flashing and twinkling lights surround us, even in our
churches. Why is that? Because light draws us near, it engages us, and ultimately the
light is far more intriguing and powerful than the darkness.

A few years ago when I was in the Holy Land, I was able to walk in the very same
fields where the shepherds tended their flocks near Bethlehem on that first Christmas
night. I imagined what it was like for the shepherds when an angel, illuminated by the
glory of the Lord, delivered the news of Jesus’ birth. It was the the bright light of a
star that pointed the way for the Magi to find where the Savior—the one who was the
Light of the World—was resting. In the Gospel of John, Jesus himself declares “I am
the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have
the light of life.”

In the light of Jesus, there is great hope and joy. There is forgiveness. There is
transformation. And I truly believe that it is in the light of Jesus where we find real life,
life to the fullest.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus transfers the torch and gives the light to us. He
says, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before men.”

This Christmas, may we all be bearers of the light to a world that surely needs it.

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 CH RISTMAS E VE

Scripture Reading
John 1:14: Luke 2:1-10

Reflection Questions
What are some ways you can reflect the light of Jesus this Christmas season?
As you look at the start of a new year, how can you keep the joy of the Christmas season alive in
your heart throughout 2023?

Lighting the Christ Candle

[Re-light the first four candles and light the center Christ candle.]
“We light this candle with great joy and celebration, because Christ is born in Bethlehem. God’s
Son has come into the world to be our Savior! And he will come again in glory.”

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 CH RISTMAS DAY

Christmas Day Poem

Heaven’s Child
By: Michael R. Chin Quee
Executive Vice President/Church Alliances
DECEMBER 25, 2022

The light of the world in manifest form

As He came down from His perfect home
The sky was now ablaze with the heavenly hosts
For this is Heaven’s Child

The shepherds came to honor Him

They were in awe at the baby meek and mild
They willingly bowed and worshipped Him
For this is Heaven’s Child

Wise men brought Him gifts

Fit for a King
Not knowing He created everything
For this is Heaven’s Child

Come gather around the manger

Then shine brightly in the world
Love as he first loved you
Tell all of Heaven’s Child

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 Let your light shine
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never
walk in darkness, but will
have the light of life.”
–John 8:12

So much good is possible when God uses you to help bring Christ’s light into the world.
Seven Saves is a powerful step forward for your church members to make a difference
together in fighting extreme poverty in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Offering both individual and group goals, Seven Saves is a powerful way for your church
members to make a difference. It is managed online and requires no financial commitment
on the part of the church. When you give just $7 a month, it helps feed and support hungry
children and gives them the blessing of a brighter future.
You will have an online portal for easy access to details about your specific program and
assistance from a Seven Saves advisor as needed.
Why does this approach work? It is rooted in Food For The Poor’s 40 years of on-the-ground
ministry to link the American church with the church in the Caribbean and Latin America in
a manner that helps both the materially poor and the poor in spirit.

SIGN UP YOUR CHURCH TODAY

Go to SevenSaves.org
to learn more.
Po wered By