Daily Reading: 14 December

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Life in all its fullness

Something to read

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of their great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.

- Zechariah 8:4-5.

Something to think about

Loneliness is a difficulty faced by people of all ages, but older people in the UK are at increased risk of social isolation, with 11% reporting that they speak with friends, family or neighbours less than once a month (according to Age UK, 2015). With greater age may come greater issues with health and mobility, and older people, along with children, are identified as particularly vulnerable in situations of poverty, war, and humanitarian crisis.

In Zechariah’s prophetic vision of a restored and redeemed community of God’s people, there is no more isolation or loneliness. The streets are filled with the sounds of games and chatter; others sit quietly in companionable peace. Children too, are safe to play on the streets, no longer afraid of violence, or forced into work to make the family ends meet.

In other words, each generation is honoured, safe, and supported to flourish. This vision of life in all its fullness, at every age and stage, is at the heart of Christian Aid’s work in communities across the world.

Something to do

Speak with an older person or a young child – whoever you usually spend least time with! – and ask them about how they see their world. What do they feel positive about? What would they like to see change?

Something to pray

God who is ever ancient, ever new: thank you for the gift of each generation, and that all are treasured and loved in your kingdom. Help me to see the ways in which older and younger people in particular are marginalised and made vulnerable, and to play my part in restoring dignity and hope. Amen.

Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones