In Advent, we gather to prepare for the coming of the light into a dark world. The world is dark due to sin and evil, sickness and despair. The specter of HIV/AIDS haunts every corner. People in the community are dying. In Africa, a child becomes orphaned every 14 seconds due to the AIDS pandemic.
It is into this darkness that our God comes, giving hope and a future to the least and the lost. God calls the people of the church to be the light. Jesus said that God’s people are to be a city on a hill – a lamp on a lamp stand. In the darkness of the world, God’s people are the body of Christ preparing the world for God’s kingdom.
ZOE Ministry has prepared World AIDS Day and Advent materials to help churches and individuals serve as the light in this world. Visit www.zoeministry.org to download or sign up for these materials:
- World AIDS Day Litany of Prayer: bulletin inserts, video clips, leaders guide.
- Weekly Advent Prayer Emails: Prepared for ZOE by Bishop Hope Morgan Ward. Signup online by November 29 to receive these emails.
- God Is Good! Advent 2009 Devotional Booklet: Weekly devotions written for all ages, especially children and families.
- Hope for Christmas Animal Project: Includes individual giving opportunities as well as bulletin inserts for churches and gift cards for Alternative Giving Projects.