Advent 2023
Oh come, oh come, Lord, do not delay; we are waiting for you…
Preparing for Advent is a wonderful opportunity to renew our FAITH, reflect on the meaning of Christmas, and get closer to God. During this Season, it’s important to set aside a space to place a Nativity scene, a manger in our homes, and prepare our hearts to receive our savior, the infant Jesus. His birth helps us to center ourselves on the true spiritual meaning of Christmas.
Advent is one of the most beautiful Seasons for everyone but is very noticeable on our children at Farm of the Child. The joy they experience counting the days until Christmas is indescribable. It is no wonder that this Season prepares us for the great day of the birth of baby Jesus, where all the people in their elegant and colorful clothes get ready to receive Him.
At Farm of the Child, one of the most beautiful Advent traditions, is the celebration of Posadas. This wonderful celebration represents the journey of Joseph and Mary, knocking door-to-door in the inns of Bethlehem, looking for shelter in anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Our children at Farm gather, representing this search for shelter, for an inn, as they walk through each home within our facilities, knocking on doors, just like the Holy Family did on Christmas Eve.
When the children finally find a home that provides them with a place to stay, joy overflows. The candles in their lanterns are lit, the Christmas lights illuminate the manger, and the food and drinks are shared with all those who accompanied the journey. Christmas songs fill the air with hope and joy, while the children sing loudly “Entren santos peregrinos, peregrinos... Enter holy, holy pilgrims”. The singing of the villancicos (Christmas carol) creates a magical atmosphere that fills the hearts of all present with emotion and joy, including our children, misioneros, Franciscan Sisters, tías, and visitors.
The people that live these beautiful traditions experience Christ’s healing love and their lives are changed. They can’t help but go forth, glorifying and praising God! Christ has a personal love just like this in store for each one of us. Isn’t that incredible news? And when we experience His love, we can go forth and love others in the same way.
The mission of Farm of the Child is a wonderful opportunity to participate in Christ’s life-changing love. Farm of the Child is a meeting place of giving and receiving, where every year hundreds of individuals and families experience the healing of Christ, including:
Children, who have known so little kindness in their young lives, are welcomed and intently cared for in our homes, where they come to recognize they are highly valued and loved.
People from the community in need of medical care, receiving a wide array of services in our clinic.
Students, both residents and children from the surrounding communities, who receive a quality education and grow in confidence outside of the classroom through vocational training and athletics.
Your generosity is a foundational resource for all of them to receive these services, providing opportunities to each one of us to share and personally encounter Christ Jesus.
In the past, you were such a generous donor to Farm of the Child! Thank you!! Through your support, you provided opportunities for our children to know they are seen, valued, and have a place at the manger. Will you continue to help the brokenhearted encounter the life-changing love of Christ by renewing your commitment and making a sacrificial gift to support our efforts to bring Christ to our children at Farm of the Child?
On behalf of the children, staff, and volunteers at Farm of the Child, Thank you for your prayerful consideration! As we reflect on the first Christmas and the wonderful gift Farm of the Child is to others, let us remember that Christ is inviting each one of us to come to Him in the manger, bringing our broken hearts to the only place they can be healed – His presence.
May God bless you and your family this Advent season.
Sincerely Yours,