Today, the second Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts in faithful waiting, to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and ready ourselves for His second coming. It’s a beautiful chance to reflect on the ways prophecy has been fulfilled and to ponder what the future (promised to us through prophecies) will bring. As we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ arrival as a gift to all humanity, let’s stir up in our hearts and homes a sense of anticipation. May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time of holy anticipation; preparing our hearts, as we peacefully and faithfully await the chance to celebrate the arrival of our king.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT MEANING AND SYMBOLISM: The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” The tradition for the second Sunday of Advent includes lighting the second purple candle that is a symbol of faith. This second Sunday of Advent we read, pray, and reflect on the hope God’s plan gives us (foretold by the prophets and fulfilled by the life and death of Christ), and we meditate on the promise of Christ’s coming glory-filled return. As we light the second advent candle, may God’s spirit prepare our heart to receive Jesus as our king. May God’s grace abound in our life in this season of holy anticipation. This week, we pause to remember who God is and what He has done for us. When our lives are hurried, we only have the chance to focus on our to-do lists. Making space in our schedules for prayer and meditation helps us to better see God at work in our lives and in our world.
The second candle of Advent is called the “Angel Candle” and symbolizes peace. This name comes from the fact that the angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace (Luke 2:14). This week we are reminded that Jesus came to bring peace to our hearts and to our world!
PRAYER FOR PEACE FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT:
A PERSONAL PRAYER FOR PEACE: Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Lord, I invite your peace to rule my heart! As I end this year and reflect on your many gifts you have given me; let my heart be encouraged with the truth that you are a good God. I thank you for sending your Son to die for me. I thank you for the peace I have through you. May my words and actions be ones that glorify you. Amen 🙏
A PRAYER FOR PEACE FOR OUR WORLD:
Psalm 29:11 says, “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”
Lord, would you bring your strength and peace to your people! Would your presence be felt by all who seek you in a powerful way in this Advent season. Turn the hearts of mankind towards you. We pray that the lost turn to you and find an unshakable peace that nothing else in this world can offer. Amen 🙏
THE ADVENT WREATH: SECOND WEEK PRAYER: The prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the second week. After the prayer, the oldest child lights the first and second purple candles.
LEADER: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen. 🙏
(The two candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the second week.)
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