Action for Advent

The 4th week of Advent : Sunday 19 December

Bible reading for Advent

Mary’s Song
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation."

Luke 1 v39-55

Action for Advent

1. Mary and Elizabeth were unlikely voices to proclaim and clarify the good news of Christmas. How can we make sure we listen to the unseen and overlooked people in our communities? How can we tell their story ourselves?
2. How might we enable mercy to flow into action?
   
3. On the first Christmas, Mary desperately searched for shelter and after giving birth to Jesus, ended up on the run from King Herod, scared and homeless. What kinds of shelter / protection are available near you which offer protection to the vulnerable? Can you collect information on them, so you are able to point individuals in the right direction?

Advent fact

Of the 10,613 potential victims of modern slavery referred to the National Referral Mechanism in 2020, two thirds (63%) claimed the exploitation had occurred in the UK only.

(Source: Home Office’s Modern Slavery: National Referral Mechanism and Duty to Notify Statistics End of Year Summary, 2020)