Laudato Voices | Advent Reflection | 12th Dec, 2025
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). As we journey through Advent in preparation for Christ’s birth, we are invited to reflect deeply on how this season calls us to care for the earth, nurture hope, seek peace, and share joy. Advent is not only a time of waiting for Christmas; it also teaches us to wait with hope, listen attentively, and renew our relationships with God, one another, and all creation.
Let us begin by considering the symbolism of the Advent Wreath, a circle of creation, hope, and God’s unending love. Imagine walking in darkness and seeing light rising from a star, carrying a message of hope, the Advent wreath becomes a living catechesis for this journey.
The Circle of the Wreath
The wreath’s circle, with no beginning or end, reminds us of God’s eternal love and faithfulness. Amid environmental challenges, it encourages us to trust that God is present and continually renewing the earth, reflecting Catholic Social Teaching on caring for creation.
Green Foliage
In Uganda, many create wreaths from cypress, pine, or local greenery. The green color represents enduring hope, even in difficult times, and reminds us that creation awaits redemption (Rom 8:19).
The Purple Candles
The three purple candles call us to active waiting: preparing, changing our hearts, and choosing simplicity. This aligns with Catholic Social Teaching on Family, Community, and Participation. Consider how you are living as a family, engaging with your community, and building peace with yourself, others, and God.
The Pink Candle
The pink candle, lit on the third Sunday—Gaudete Sunday—represents joy. It reminds us that Christ’s light is near and that we can find joy even in a troubled world, as highlighted in Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel.
The White Candle
The white candle, placed at the center and lit at Christmas, symbolizes Christ—the Light who restores harmony with God, one another, and creation.
These lights offer both theological and ecological lessons: even small flames dispel darkness. Our daily prayers and care for creation, however small, are like candles God uses to renew the world. The gesture of saying “Peace be with you,” once common in churches before COVID, symbolized faith and unity. Although fewer people now share this act, consider reclaiming it this Advent to help build bridges and foster unity.
As we reflect, let us recognize God in those around us—the poor, the hungry, the forgotten children and elders, and those suffering in conflict. Let us rejoice, knowing the Holy One is present, and remain humble enough to notice Him.
At Laudato Youth, we pray through song. This week, we share Isaiah 12, “Cry Out with Joy and Gladness,” as a reminder that the Holy One of Israel is among us.
We aim to be a voice for young people by shaping hearts and building hope and peace within our families, communities, and the world. Pope Francis encourages us to care for the earth within our families, communities, and churches. This Advent, let us deepen our faith, teach children strong values, and help our families adopt sustainable habits. Here are some practical steps to guide our reflection and action:
Teach the Story of Creation
Children should be reminded of the Genesis truth: God saw all that He created, and it was very good. This helps form young hearts to cherish creation. Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’, teaches that creation is a gift to be protected, not a resource to be exploited. This also invites reflection on the Life and Dignity of the Human Person, encouraging us to reject violence and war. As Uganda approaches elections, let us grow in our commitment to peace and human dignity. This theme also challenges us to consider our attitudes toward people in conflict areas. Peace is essential, and our prayers and actions make a difference.
Be the Hope
Support young people by listening to them, providing safe spaces for open dialogue, and establishing mentorship programs to address loneliness, anxiety, and mental health during Advent. Encourage them to read Christus Vivit—”Christ is alive”—to learn about being Youth in Hope, and engage in this learning yourself.
Listen to the Young
Make time to listen to young people by addressing their concerns, encouraging participation in church youth programs, and providing safe spaces for them to share their feelings. Support youth-led activities such as the Laudato Youth Initiative during holidays, helping them become active members of their families and communities, and apply these lessons at school. This Advent, reflect on the theme of Rights and Responsibilities in Catholic Social Teaching.
Intergenerational Encounters
Create opportunities for children to learn from elders by organizing storytelling sessions and community workshops. These activities help pass on faith and wisdom and support Catholic Social Teaching on Family and Community.
Live and Share the Faith
Share the joy of the Gospel this Advent by promoting service, organizing group prayers, and leading moral discussions within families and communities, as demonstrated in Evangelii Gaudium.
Promote Peace and Integral Human Development
Promote justice, peace, and care for the vulnerable by initiating community service projects, peace workshops, and advocacy for those in need through youth programs. This approach reflects the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable in Catholic Social Teaching.
Choose Human Encounters Over Excessive Media
Encourage young people to focus on personal connections by setting up study groups, planning in-person events, and helping them balance technology use. Let them reflect on the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers in Catholic Social Teaching. Draw Wisdom from African Saints
Encourage students to learn about African saints, such as the Uganda Martyrs. At Laudato Youth Initiative, we honor St. Adolf Mukasa Rudigho, patron of herders and farmers, through special lessons. We also look to figures like St. Francis and strive to continue Pope Francis’s legacy, remaining rooted in our culture and faith that inspires hope. We encourage prayers for their intercession and organize events, such as the Laudato Si Green Festival, to promote ecological values. These efforts support the theme of Solidarity in Catholic Social Teaching and unite people for climate action. Let us expand these activities during Advent.
It is important to help young people engage with Catholic Social Teaching at home as part of their faith formation. We cannot discuss God without considering His creation, nor can we discuss creation without acknowledging people and the earth, as God made all and saw they were good. This is the joy we seek, and we believe joy arises when we care for all creation. Reflect on each theme, assign creative projects, and initiate activities that encourage stewardship and support community growth.
These are not merely ideas; they are practical steps toward caring for the earth, living out our faith, and renewing our communities. (Laudato Si’, Integral Ecology)
The African Voice in Integral Ecology
In Laudato Si’ Clubs, organize regular tree planting, recycling drives, and group discussions on ubuntu and climate action. Encourage young people to lead and participate in community projects.
We can embrace modern life without losing what matters most. Let Advent’s joy help us uphold values such as the common good, solidarity, faith, and dignity. To counter individualism, remember the African proverb: “A child belongs to the whole village.” This means everyone—parents, elders, neighbors, the Church, and society—shares responsibility for every child. This collective responsibility is central to living out integral ecology in Africa.
Teach Children to Become Builders of Peace
Teach children about decency, morality, and responsibility through lessons, group projects, and collaboration. These experiences help them develop peace-building skills, resolve conflicts, and cultivate gratitude. These experiences help them develop peace-building skills, resolve conflicts, and cultivate gratitude. This way, they learn and get real experience.
This festive season, support young people in delivering gifts or meals to the poor, elderly, and those in need. Organize community service days and encourage participation in acts of charity for the benefit of all.
Interfaith Dialogue and the Path of Peace
Our communities, with many different faiths, need to come together and speak the language of peace. The Holy Father has designated January 1, 2025, as a global day of reflection on peace. Let’s use Advent to get ready to be peacemakers. Who will join hands and say, Peace be with you? Let’s build a world where
God comes first, creation is respected, and peace grows.
Where justice is practised, peace remains.
Where hearts are opened, peace is born.
Prayer
As we light the third Advent candle this week and the others to come, may their flames spark within us love of God, courage to care for creation, build bridges of peace, to listen to the young, wisdom to learn from our elders, strength to protect the vulnerable, and joy to announce Christ who is coming into our world. May the Light we await transform Africa and illuminate every heart. Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Light of the World.
