16 days of activism: Advent Sunday

Today is Advent Sunday, a particularly important day for Christians around the world.

Advent is a time of preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

It is also an opportunity to pause and reflect.

One common tradition is the lighting of the four Advent candles.

Today, the first candle to be lit commonly symbolises hope.

That hope is not some powerless longing though. Indeed, it is the opposite.

Each of us has within us the capacity to do good in the world and to help others.

Proverbs instructs us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves”.

Every one of us can be an individual voice for change and shine a light on injustice.

Today, on Day 3 of my 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, and as Advent begins, I want to highlight the work of one faith group.

Christian Aid, through its partners, programmes, and campaigns, has done significant work around gender-based violence over the decades.

In India, the charity has supported work to defend and get justice for victims of gender-based violence and rape.

In Bangladesh, where the rate of violence against women is amongst the highest in the world, Christian Aid has helped support preventive intervention and to establish gender justice in workplaces.

And in the Dominican Republic, Christian Aid partners have protected around 700 migrant women against gender-based violence.

I know that households are feeling the financial squeeze this year but if you are in a position to support Christian Aid please consider making a donation to their Christmas Appeal.

Your support and your voice can make a difference.

Let us all use this Advent Sunday to be a voice for hope.