Can social media #LightTheWay?
Christian Aid’s Digital Content and Social Media Editor, Sarah Carter, invites you to light up your newsfeed this Christmas.
When I light a candle at midnight, I say to the darkness:
‘I beg to differ’
Unnamed first-century philosopher
Scrolling through our newsfeeds today we’re inundated with images of people whose lives have been torn apart by violence. People just like you and me who are desperate for sanctuary and security in the midst of conflict. It can be easy to feel disheartened in the face of this suffering and difficult to see how we can make a difference.
We all know how powerful social media can be. It connects us and can empower people to speak out against injustice. Social media can give a voice to people who might otherwise be voiceless. People like you and me can shine a light on the difficulties facing our sisters and brothers across the world who are far from home.
What if, this Christmas, we harness the power of social media to show that we believe in a more hopeful future for people who’ve been forced from their homes?
What if we use it to show that we believe more strongly in our shared humanity than in differences of nationality, race or religion?
What if, in the face of a newsfeed that can be full of darkness, we say, together:
We beg to differ.
From 9 December: let’s fill our newsfeeds with light
Candles and fairy lights are symbols of the joy of Christmas to many. We all know how special it feels to gather our families to decorate the tree with beautiful lights. And in many churches we light a candle each Sunday of Advent to prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of Jesus.
However you’re lighting up your home, your church, your business or your school, we want you to share it with the world.
Share a photo or short video of your Christmas lights twinkling or candles glowing with us using #LightTheWay to show that you want to light the way for people fleeing conflict this Christmas.
Tag us in your posts on Facebook (@Christian Aid) and Twitter(@christian_aid) so we can help share your light.
Here’s a little inspiration!
Light the way this Christmas
At Christmas, we fill our homes with light and laughter, family and friends.
But for more than 65 million people who are fleeing from conflict and crises, a joyful home is a distant memory. Forced out by the darkness of violence and fear, they’re searching for safety and refuge.
By supporting our Christmas Appeal, you can help shine the light towards a brighter future. You can light the way.
