Children are such a precious gift from God. Yet, children are mistreated, ignored, abandoned, and often denied their basic needs, everywhere. Here is what Jesus has to say about children.
“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
Jesus knew how much the Father loved the children He created. All over the world, even here in our own country, these most vulnerable ones suffer.
10,000 children die each day from hunger-related illnesses.
More than 1 billion children live in poverty.
Globally, 1 billion children have experienced psychological, sexual, or physical violence in the past year.
Our televisions bring us many images of the suffering inflicted on these little ones. I am sure I don’t need to say more to convince you that the children of the world need our help. This December, I invite you to join me in a campaign of prayer for children, that they will be protected and loved, that leaders of the world would create policies and actions to protect and help them grow.
A campaign means a planned effort. A daily prayer commitment. Please consider making this commitment. You choose the daily time commitment and prayers you will use. It might be helpful to find a picture of children that will inspire you to remember all the little ones. As we move towards the feast of Christmas, Oh Lord, hear our prayers.
May the birth of Christ bring joy and peace to our children’s hearts and homes. May the Christ Child bring peace where there is war, food where there is hunger, and hope to every heart.
Merry Christmas,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN