The Season of Advent: A Year-Round Call for Social Justice

By: Joe McDaniel, Jr.*

Advent, a season of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth, typically spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. While often confined to this liturgical timeframe, the spirit of Advent can and should extend throughout the year as a call to social justice and respect for the dignity of every person. The themes of hope, love, joy, and peace found in the Advent season resonate deeply with the call to uphold human dignity and enter into action for social justice.

The essence of Advent is rooted in the recognition of divine hope manifested through Jesus Christ. This hope is compacted in the notion of justice, as articulated in Isaiah 61:1, which states, “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” This verse underscores a mission not just for the season of Advent, but as a lifelong commitment for believers to advocate for those marginalized in our communities. The imminent arrival of Christ invites us to reflect on the state of our society and acknowledge those who suffer injustice and inequality.

Respect for the dignity of every human being is central to Christian teaching. The sanctity of life and the respect for every person is underscored in Genesis 1:27, which reminds us that “God created mankind in his own image.” Recognizing that every individual is made in the image of God compels us to treat others with dignity and respect. Advent is a reminder that preparing for Christ's coming involves acknowledging the value of every person and seeking justice where it is absent.

Throughout the year, Christians are called to embody the principles of Advent by taking action to create a more just and equitable society. This can manifest in various forms, such as engaging in community service, advocating for policies that protect the rights of the marginalized, or simply showing kindness to those we encounter. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Social justice is not limited to acts of charity; it encompasses the pursuit of systemic change to eliminate the root causes of poverty, inequality, and discrimination.

Additionally, the spirit of Advent encourages us to engage in deeper empathy and solidarity with one another. In Isaiah 58:6-7, it is stated, “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loosen the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” This scripture challenges believers to look beyond their personal spiritual practices and to consider how their actions affect their neighbors. It calls for a collective responsibility to stand against injustice and uplift those in need, advocating for a year-round commitment to social justice.

In conclusion, the season of Advent can serve as a year-round beacon for social justice, inviting believers to respect the dignity of every human being. As we prepare for Christmas, let us allow the spirit of Advent to guide our actions throughout the year. By proclaiming good news to the poor and seeking justice for the oppressed, we honor the coming of Christ and reflect His light into the world, ensuring that every person's dignity is upheld and celebrated.

McDaniel is a member of the Episcopal Church's Executive Council and serves as the co-chair of the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast’s Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation.