Advent 2018 1. Worship more fully 2. Spend less and release resources into other things 3. Give more. Of your time, your presence, your thoughts, your words 4. Love more. The forgotten, the poor, the marginalised.

MAGNIFICAT Mary’s Song 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful     of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—     holy is his name.

50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,     from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;     he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones     but has lifted up the humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things     but has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel,     remembering to be merciful 55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,     just as he promised our ancestors.”

Mark Labberton The disparity between economics and justice is an issue of worship. According to the narrative of scripture, the very heart of how we show and distinguish true worship is apparent in how we respond to the poor, the oppressed, the neglected and the forgotten. As of now, I do not see a theme troubling the waters of worship in the Christian church, But justice and mercy are not add on’s to worship. Justice and mercy are intrinsic to God and therefore intrinsic to the worship of God.

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DAILY READINGS………CWR During Advent, we would love to help you set aside space, away from the busy Christmas preparations, to consider the heartbeat of hope that has passed through generations since the Messiah was promised to the Hebrew people. Trace this hope through the Old Testament and up to Christ's birth, meeting others across history who have shared the same hope as us. Take time to reflect on your own hopes and fears, bringing them to God as you trust Him for your future. Each day throughout Advent you can receive an encouraging and contemplative email with Bible verses, a hopeful thought for the day, prayer and reflective questions to consider.