Make your vote count this Advent

It’s rare to have an election in the run-up to Christmas, yet in just a few days millions of voters will be going to the polls to elect our new government.

Activists from many political parties have been busy in St Albans, Harpenden and the district around, keen to win as many votes as possible.

St Albans Abbey and local churches have been among the venues staging hustings so candidates can answer voters’ questions.

For Christians, Advent – the run-up to Christmas – is a season of expectancy and preparation. The Church prepares to celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ, God’s son, into our world as a baby. And it also looks ahead to his final coming as judge at the end of time.

The readings and words used in many church services point towards Christ’s birth – and they also challenge the modern-day reluctance to face up to the theme of God’s judgement.

As voters, each time we place our cross against a candidate we are giving them our support. We are putting our faith in them to deliver a better future for ourselves, our family and the wider community.

The Bible says a lot about “righteousness and justice” and the importance of working for the good of all. Jesus had a special place for people on the edges of society, for men and women who were regarded as outcasts.

This Advent, as we vote in the election, let’s pray that the people we elect will work for the good of all.

Especially those who have the least and so often get forgotten.

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