Val Brown, Head of Christian Aid Scotland, explains the message behind Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal.

COMMAS are important! ‘Let’s eat, Grandpa’, has a totally different meaning to ‘let’s eat Grandpa’.

Similarly, the carol, God rest you merry, Gentlemen, I’ve always thought was God rest you, merry Gentlemen. The comma, along with learning that the phrase God rest you merry translates as ‘may God grant you peace and happiness’, has transformed my understanding of that carol. It’s something I’ve looked into because it features in our Christmas Appeal: ‘no room for comfort and joy, when you’ve left everything behind to survive’.

In South Sudan thousands of people are living in refugee settlements having fled fierce fighting in neighbouring Sudan. South Sudan has been dominated by multiple crises with chronic food insecurity and extreme weather events caused by climate change exacerbating on-going conflict.

The arrival of hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees in the past year has put additional pressure on the country. Shede (pictured) is one of those who has recently arrived into the north of South Sudan seeking safety at the Wedweil Refugee Settlement. Such was her urgency to leave Darfur, she made the difficult decision to leave her husband and other family members behind and take her youngest daughter and granddaughter to safety, with just the clothes she was wearing: ‘I did not come with anything. No table, no teapot, no chair, no bed. Nothing.’

Christian Aid’s partner, Smile Again Africa Development Organisation (SAADO), has supported Shede and her family, by providing small cash grants which enables her to buy food and essentials in the local market.

Daniel Auyen, SAADO’s programme manager explains: “The project helps because the needs of people are huge, and very different at an individual level. Money gives individuals the choice to prioritise what basic supplies they purchase.

“One of the things that stood out was the reduction in the reported number of cases of violence against women and their children. Before our assistance was received, cases were about 200 a week. A few days later, reported cases dropped to 36. It’s attributed to the level of stress being reduced in the household.

“My message to Christian Aid supporters is we appreciate the generous support we receive. This money makes a lot of difference. It saves lives in communities that are affected by so many years of conflict and the climate crisis.”

“ The arrival of hundreds of thousands of refugees and returnees in the past year has put additional pressure on the country.

Jesus was born at a time of military occupation, and for so many, conflict still dominates their lives. Our partners work to bring hope to those who are struggling, in South Sudan, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, Lebanon, Ukraine, and so many other places. Thank you for your continued support. You will find prayers, worship resources, and details of our Christmas Appeal on our website. ¤

We’re hosting a Christian Aid Christmas Carol Service at Newtown Church, George Street, Edinburgh on December 11 at 6:30pm. John Bell, Siskin Green and Fischy Music will lead this peace themed service. All are welcome, please get in touch with the Edinburgh office if you would like to come or get the livestream link: edinburgh@christian-aid.org