Social Justice Advent Calendar 2024
This year for Advent we invite you join us in a sequence of prayers, meditations and actions.
Social Justice Advent Calendar 2024
This Advent we offer a series of prayers, meditations and reflections, and some suggested actions, as a means of exploring what justice means to us as individuals and as a church community and how our perceptions of it may be shaped by our faith.
The material is grouped in four themed sections – one for each week – encompassing:
Week 1 |
Social Justice
Week 2 | Environmental and Climate Justice
Week 3 | The Criminal Justice System
Week 4 |
Care for Creation
(27 November to 3 December)
(4 December to 10 December)
(11 December to 17 December)
(18 December to 24 December)
You may wish to follow all the material using a daily pattern for each week or you may prefer to focus on one or more aspects which are of particular interest to you. And you are welcome to return to the material beyond Advent, if you wish, for reference and fresh inspiration.
For Christians our understanding of justice is deeply rooted in the scriptures. The Bible (especially the Psalms and Proverbs) are replete with the assurance that God is the source and guardian of justice and righteousness; for example:
Psalm 146:5-7
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith for ever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.
As you explore the different strands of justice you are invited to think how your understanding of justice in our modern world is shaped by this picture of God and by your faith.
If you are facing your own difficulties this Christmas, or if you need a moment of rest during the weeks, Psalm 91 provides the assurance and comfort of God’s protection through our hard times:
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD your refuge, the Most High your dwelling-place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot. Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.
Week 1: Social Justice
Sunday 1 December - Saturday 7 December
Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
We begin our journey through Advent with a focus on Social Justice and, specifically, two groups who are in need of our prayers and compassion: vulnerable children and those experiencing homelessness. As a result of poverty, abuse and conflict, some children face challenges no child should have to face that daily threaten their safety and stability. Those who are homeless live lives marked by extreme instability, hardship and, often, danger. Through prayer and reflection, we will ask for God’s guidance to become instruments of care, advocacy and justice, praying for a safe haven for the children at risk and shelter and dignity for the homeless. We will also pray for the systemic changes that are needed to address the challenges and needs of both the vulnerable children and those who live without a place to call home.
Longer reads:
Vulnerable children: review the resources available at www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
Homelessness: Homelessness facts and statistics: The numbers you need to know in 2024: www.bit.ly/bigissuehousing
Actions:
If you would like to take action during the week you could
(i) Contact one of the Homelessness charities in St Albans and find out how you can support their work.
(ii) Stop and talk to a rough sleeper, ask them their name.
Daily Readings
Readings and prayers throughout the week
Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Matthew 18:5-6
Loving Father, protect the children of the world. Take them under your wing, shielding them from conflict, disaster and those who would try to hurt them. Raise up helpers, Father, who are willing to stand in the gap for children in need. In Jesus’ name, amen.
(Compassion – Prayer for child protection)
Let us reach out to the children. Let us do whatever we can to support their fight to rise above their pain and suffering.
Nelson Mandela
If we nurture the dreams of children, the world will be blessed. If we destroy them, the world is doomed!
Wess Stafford
Loving Father, Your Word is filled with accounts of miraculous protection. We claim that power for vulnerable children. Make Your little ones invisible to people who seek to exploit them. Whisper in the ears of the children to run and hide until the danger passes.
(World Vision prayer for children’s protection)
People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
Mark 10:13-14
Loving Father, we thank you for all the precious children in this world who are so dear to you. Help us do all we can to protect them and give them the start in life they deserve. We bring before you all of the wonderful work being done to bring relief to children living in poverty and deprivation, and we ask that you bless every person doing this work. Increase and bless their efforts in Jesus’ name.
(Compassion - Prayer for children)
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:3-4
Loving Father, strengthen and guide us as we strive to make our communities a safe place for all. We especially ask that the children and vulnerable adults you entrust to our care are protected. Give us the wisdom and courage to listen with open hearts, see with open eyes, and speak out to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safe, loved, respected, and cared for. Guide us as we work to build a community that fosters everyone to flourish and be safe.
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
1 John 3:17-18
Loving Father, we pray for those who have no safe place to stay. Those who seek shelter in doorways, families fleeing war and persecution, the people sleeping on yet another sofa. Teach us to see every person with your eyes and show us how we can serve.
Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.
Proverbs 31:8-9
God of justice we pray that we may have courage to speak truth to power and have the courage to speak up for all who need us to act and not be silent. God of compassion we pray that we may love others not just in our words but in our deeds. God of kindness we pray that we may use our voices to heal, comfort, and lovingly support. God of all people, we pray that we may be the voices who seek to protect and serve the most vulnerable.
‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you needing clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly, I tell you, just as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25: 35-40
Dear Lord, help us to reflect upon and understand truly these familiar words spoken by your dear son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and to put into action those words, in the best way that we can.
Week 2: Environmental and Climate
Justice
Sunday 8 December - Saturday 14 December
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
We have inherited a world of wonder, which is capable of supporting us and giving us delight. In the second week of Advent we contemplate peace. However, the peace we might feel in a forest glade, or contemplating a peaceful lake, is increasingly difficult to come by and, in many parts of the world, impossible. The animals and plants of the natural world are under severe threat, and human activities are changing the global climate – for the worse. This week in Advent we can consider climate and environmental justice. This is not a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘have to have’. Not just for peace, but for life itself. In our prayers and meditations we can attain not only the peace of communion with God, but also learn what we can do to heal the Earth.
Longer reads:
Lament & Hope for Advent: Prayers for the Climate and Ecological Emergency, by Rev’d Jon Swales. www.bit.ly/LamentandHopeforAdvent
‘L is for Lifestyle goes thoughtfully through the alphabet of our lives and suggests simple changes we can all make www.ruthvalerio.net/publications/l-is-for-lifestyle/
Actions:
If you would like to do something during the week, you could do a simple ‘environmental lifestyle audit’ at www.surveyhero.com/c/eec4fse3
There are some very helpful resources to make our lifestyle more environmentally sustainable on the Eco-Church page: www.ecochurch.arocha.org.uk/resources/lifestyle and the Green Living page: www.ruthvalerio.net/green-living
Daily Readings
On each day, light an advent candle and pray
As we light our candle, we give thanks to God for the gift of this bounteous creation, celebrating its diverse life and wondrous beauty. We know that all created life should be enabled to flourish as God intended, and yet often our actions do not treat it with value. As we face the climate crisis, we lament the ways in which creation has been stifled and altered by our actions. And yet, we also give thanks for the hope we find in the Creator as we wait for God to visit us again.
Birmingham Methodist Circuit
God of hope, Bless all people and embrace us with your abundant grace for working together in the journey to heal the earth. We pray for your wisdom, sympathy and creativity to take meaningful actions with a shared vision for the common good of all creation. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Naw Ohnmar Shwe, Gaia Organization, Myanmar.
Light crying out within darkness, illuminating the landscape of the just and the unjust, help us to negotiate, not eradicate the obstacles and barriers to the glory of God, refreshing and reshaping our journey with all Creation. Amen
Eco Congregation Scotland
Creator God, who made our beautiful world, appointed us as its guardians and gifted us with everything we need, forgive us for the times we cause it harm; for the times our way of life affects our neighbours. Inspire us to care for the environment; to help rebuild lives and communities; to share in the griefs and anxieties, joys and hopes of all your people, so that all your creation may flourish. Amen.
Stephen Davies/CAFOD
Light within darkness, sender of signs. In our confusion, and even our fear; as suns rise and set, but also as clouds gather. May we raise our heads to our part in the healing of the World. Through Christ, in whose light we walk with all Creation! Amen.
Eco Congregation Scotland
We pray for all who work to renew the environment, to reverse the years of neglect and abuse and bring hope, love and light to the world. We commit ourselves to play our part in protecting this most precious of gifts and to ‘lift up our voices mightily’ to call on all to do more to care for creation. Amen.
Birmingham Methodist Circuit
Light of hope burning intensely, within that darkness to which we seem to add. Burn through the hardened crust of despair with love and with warnings; shine bright, Path to less harm, travelled with all Creation. Amen.
Eco Congregation Scotland
Meditate on:
Days of heavy clouds stifling the sunlight; the world burdened by greyness and gloom Open our eyes, Lord, to the coming of your light lifting the burden of darkness from our lives.
Chillness that seeps deep into bones; hearts and spirits rigid with frost-hardness; souls wrapped up against coldness and loneliness. Open our souls, Lord, to the warmth of your coming melting the hardness that keeps us from you and from each other.
Trees, branches bare against the steel skies; Stems crumpled under weight of frost, weight of snow; Last year’s leaves, blackened and slippery underfoot; Nature oppressed by wintriness, yet resting, awaiting rebirth. Cherish our hearts, Lord, oppressed by wintrinessassure us of your coming of your call to new life.
Diocese of Coventry Celtic Liturgy for Advent
Week 3: The criminal justice system
Sunday 15 December - Saturday 21 December
“I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.”
This week’s readings are slightly different – light a candle and read through the section for the day. You can answer the questions out loud or think about them over the next week.
Day 1 and 2
How we think of the ‘justice system’ will depend on our personal situations and perspectives. For those involved directly in the administration of justice it may mean the police, courts, prisons, probation services, civil and family disputes and associated services. For those who do not have such a close connection, it can seem bewildering and they may question how it fits with their concept of justice.
In the UK and many countries of the West, our laws have their roots in the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1-21) and many of them still use the same language. But of course, the system of justice in the UK has developed to both shape and reflect changes in society and our understanding of the world we live in. Justice, in that sense, operates within a complex framework of laws and procedures which regulate our lives.
There are sometimes complaints that a particular judicial decision does not reflect justice and few people would suggest that our legal system always delivers justice in the biblical sense. The oath or affirmation which all judges and magistrates in England and Wales take on appointment includes these words:
‘I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this Realm without fear or favour, affection or ill will.’
In other words, judges are called to administer justice according to the law and are not free to exercise their own concept of justice. That is not to say their faith and values cannot influence the way they work (rather than the decisions they make).
Jesus said: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfil.”
Matthew 5:17
And the prophets tell us how those who administer the law are to fulfil the law:
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the law require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8
For reflection:
How does your perception of the justice system in our time fit with your understanding of God’s justice? What would ‘fulfilling the law’ look like for you? Are there changes which we could make to the justice system in this country to bring us closer to the prophet’s words?
God of peace and righteousness, whose ways are of justice and mercy; we pray for all who administer justice in our country. We pray for, and commend to your care, our judges and magistrates; our police, prison and probation services; our armed forces and emergency services; those who support victims and witnesses and those who work to rehabilitate those who have been in prison. Grant to all who work within the criminal justice system a clear understanding of the issues they must address, and of your ways of justice, mercy and peace.
A Prayer for Justice and Law and Order
Day 3: Prisons and prisoners
Today we think especially of those affected by the criminal justice system, recalling Jesus’ words
I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing?9And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king will answer them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,* you did it to me.”
Matthew: 35 - 40
Compassion sums up our prayers for this Prisons Week, from the Latin ‘passio’ to suffer, and ‘com’ together with. We stand alongside and with those impacted by the criminal justice system, as hearts and minds are opened to enter into people’s pain, struggles, fears and longings. We pray not only for offenders and victims of crime (recognising that many people in prison are both) - we pray also for families, friends, prison staff, chaplains, police, probation and all who make decisions which impact people’s lives. We are all created in the image of God who came to earth to be with us and to enter into our pain and suffering as well as our joys and delight. So let us pause to reflect on Jesus Christ’s encounters with people when he walked on earth, and his compassion, always offering hope and the possibility of transformation even in places of suffering. Compassion is not a passive word but a word which implies a response. As we are moved by people’s stories and circumstances of struggle and longing, may the Holy Spirit prompt us not only to pray but also stir us to act in practical ways, however large or small, as we offer to God who we are, our context, time, resources and voice.
A reflection by The Rt Revd Rachel Treweek Bishop of Gloucester and Anglican Bishop for HM Prisons for Prisons Week 2024
Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison. Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist. Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit, now and every day. Amen
The Prisons Week prayer
Action
If you would like to find out more about support for offenders and their families, please contact HACRO (Hertfordshire Association for the Care and Rehabilitation of offenders: www.hacro.org.uk
Their mission is to offer support to offenders, potential offenders and their families to make positive changes to their lives and to reduce the number of victims of crime.
Day 4: Sentencing and punishment
Sentencing forms a core part of the criminal justice system and has been the subject of extensive legislative regulation. Judges and magistrates are given guidance on sentencing practice and principles, but what is the underlying rationale? The philosophies influencing sentencing policy include the following basic concepts:
Retributive: Punishment is intended to match the crime.
Deterrence: Punishment is intended to discourage the offender and others from committing similar crimes.
Rehabilitative: Punishment is intended to reform the offender and help them become a productive member of society.
Restorative: Punishment is intended to repair the harm caused by the crime and restore the offender to the community.
The first of these is said to be based on the principle of “an eye for an eye”. But Jesus paints a different picture of this concept
“You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.”
Matthew 5:38-4
This is a message of forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration, rebuilding trust and relationships. We know from recent publicity that our prisons are overcrowded and operating at capacity. Early release schemes are a short-term measure to ease the pressure on prisons, but risk undermining confidence in the sentencing process and the aim of deterrence. So what is the answer?
There are, of course no easy solutions, but a greater focus on rehabilitation and restoration may yield benefits in emphasising the impact of criminal behaviour and reducing rates of reoffending and may be closer to Jesus’ teaching. Restorative justice brings those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
For reflection
The Cathedral has been engaged in restorative justice for those responsible for damage or anti-social behaviour, as part of an initiative to find constructive ways of addressing offending. What is your philosophy on sentencing (if you have one)? How can the aim of rehabilitation become a reality? Does engagement between the victim and offender through a restorative process offer a longer-term solution to lower-level offending?
Actions
For more information about restorative justice visit www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/restorative-justice or
The Restorative Justice Council at www.restorativejustice.org.uk
The crisis in the prison service has led the government to establish and independent review of sentencing: For details visit www.bit.ly/sentencing24t025
And if you wish to contribute to the review, you can do so at www.bit.ly/consultjusticegov
Day 5: Prisoners of conscience
Today we reflect on the plight of victims of injustice and those incarcerated unjustly.
We are fortunate in the UK to have an independent judicial system which is open to scrutiny. While there continue to be miscarriages of justice – think of the recent case of Andrew Malkinson and those affected by the Post Office Horizon cases –these usually arise from systemic failings and are often highlypublicised. Nevertheless, the impact on the people affected is devastating.
Throughout history there have been many who have suffered imprisonment, torture and death for their faith. And today oppressive regimes continue to subject alleged dissenters or opponents to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment, with no opportunity for a fair trial.
Jesus was himself a political prisoner, as have been many who challenge authority. He warned his disciples that:
“they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name.”
Luke 21:12
We have our own examples and inspiration in Alban and Amphibalus and in the martyrs depicted in the Nave screen statues – all of whom, in very different times circumstances and times, gave their lives for their faith and to stand against oppression.
For reflection
Spend some time in the Cathedral reflecting on the martyr’s statues and the lives of those depicted. What can we learn from their example of courage and self-sacrifice?
A prayer for victims of oppression
Judge eternal, bringer of justice, hear the cry of those who suffer through political oppression; those in prisons and labour camps, untried or falsely condemned; Meet them in their anguish and despair, and kindle in them the light of hope, that they may find rest in your love, healing in your compassion and faith in your mercy. In the name of him who suffered, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. .
Day 6: Action and reflection
Visit ‘Catching the Chain’, a moving exhibition at St Albans Museum and Gallery exploring the history of criminal justice and the different ways communities have dealt with crime. If you have seen the exhibition, reflect on the lessons we might learn from the experience of that history.
Day 7: An overall reflection
Look back on the past week. What situations have you encountered which have challenged your ideas of justice? Reflect on the central place of justice in scripture and in Jesus’ teaching.
Has your perception of justice been changed by your experiences and reflections in Advent?
Week 4: Global Justice
Wednesday 18 December - Tuesday 24 December
‘Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.’
With Christmas only days away our last section thinking about Global Justice aims to help us all look outwards as we celebrate with friends and family. Global justice is a huge and wide ranging subject and we will all have areas of conflict, struggle and justice that we are more familiar with and those we don’t know about. In the busy-ness of your Christmas preparations try to find time to read these short prayers and remember that the child being born comes to bring justice to the whole world.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Longer reads:
This article brings together different religion’s views on justice and making the world a fairer place. It’s a great starting place for thinking about faith and global justice.
www.bit.ly/4ip5ReT
Actions:
Use Tearfund’s Guide to pray for the global church over the 7 days between Christmas and New Year:
www.bit.ly/tearfundpray
Create a peace mural in your house using Christian Aid’s special reflection activity. This is especially suitable for use with children and young people talking about issues of conflict and global justice but all ages can take part.
www.bit.ly/3ZsHXrj
Daily Readings
Meditations for the last days of Advent
Day 1
God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, provide for all seeking refuge from famine.
God of Hagar, Joseph and Moses, liberate all seeking refuge from slavery.
God of Esther, Naomi and Ruth, strengthen all seeking refuge as families.
God of David, Elijah, and Jeremiah, protect all seeking refuge from conflict.
God of Ezekiel, Ezra and Nehemiah, comfort all who are longing for home.
God of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, journey with all seeking refuge today. In the name of the One who was both refuge and refugee. Amen.
Day 2
Living God, deliver us from a world without justice and a future without mercy; in your mercy, establish justice, and in your justice, remember the mercy revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Church of England website
Christian Aid 2016
Christmas Eve
Spirit of the living God, come afresh on your holy land. Help your people to restore broken relationships. Give them patience to break down barriers of suspicion and mistrust; ability to discern personal prejudices and the courage to overcome fear. Teach them to respect each other’s integrity and rights so that your kingdom may be established on earth. For Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Rt Rev Riah Abu El-Assal, from In God’s Hands, WCC
Christmas Day
‘May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.’ For the sake of my relatives and friends I will say, ‘Peace be within you.’ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.
From Psalm 122 (New Revised Standard Version)
