For Christians everywhere, Advent has begun with traditional markets, St. Nicholas Day gifts, and numerous other regional traditions. There are even people who spend these weeks relaxing with tea, cookies, and a good book. You don't know anyone like that? To be honest, neither do I. Most people around me are stressed – especially when it comes to finding Christmas gifts. The original spiritual preparation of learning to give and receive love to be ready for the coming of Jesus can often fade into the background.

Every donation makes a loving and decisive contribution to alleviating the situation of people in need and crisis around the world. For example ...

• ... in Sudan, where this week a team from Malteser International is supporting some of the remaining medical staff in Port Sudan with training – among them a brave young woman named Layla.
• ... in Ukraine, where the delivery of simple heating briquettes almost brought an elderly woman to tears with relief: finally, her home is warm again. “It feels like a small miracle,” says Hanna from Sumy.
• ... in a refugee settlement in Thailand, where a mother has hope again because it is possible for her one-year-old son to receive regular life-saving blood donations.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support! And may God be with you and your loved ones this Advent.

I wish you a relaxed time until Christmas,

yours sincerely,