Advent (from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming") is a season observed in many Western Christian churches, a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. While many of our Christian brothers and sisters will be celebrating the birth of Christ... other men and women are mourning the loss of their unborn infants. The holiday season, no matter what celebration people observe, is one of the most difficult times of year for those hurting from abortion.
Personal stories we've heard recently:
- The couple who "selectively reduced" three children after in-vitro insemination.
- The child who wasn't "good enough" because she was diagnosed with a chromosonal disorder while in utero.
- The woman missing her 12+ children after being raped by her father and his friends and then forced to abort her numerous pregnancies.
- The MANY children lost ... simply due to the recession.
Yes...while many are out Christmas shopping, our phone is ringing off the hook, emails are rampant and our "hits for help" on our
CARE Directory has more than doubled. It is challenging for many to celebrate a Magnificent birth, while mourning the children that should be under the tree singing hymns and opening presents.
For those of you with children in your home...we hope that you will take this time of year in gratitude. Not only for the birth of our Savior, but for the birth of your living children. In celebration we've created a small advent calendar for you to enjoy with your family. Each day includes a recipe, game, coloring page, craft and activity page. Moments with our families are so precious... we must relish each and everyone. We hope to contribute a little to your hours of smiles with those you love!
ARIN's Advent Calendar 2009To assist those that have lost unborn children ~ we need your help!
Would you prayerfully consider, picking an item off our wish list that your family could contribute, this season, in honor of a child missing? Ideas can be found on our:
ARIN Wish List 2009If you'd like to actually PICK a child lost to abortion and honor them, you may pick a name off our
Memorial page. Your assistance is always greatly appreciated.
May your season of Advent be unlike no other. May our Lord bless you and yours during this Miraculous time of year. We thank you again for all of your help and dedication to restoring lives and relationships after abortion.
Merry Christmas from ARIN,
