Advent Faith

On the second Sunday of Advent, we will light the candle of faith – the Bethlehem candle, so called because of the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. From Micah 5:2, “As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces, one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you. His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.” (CEB)

The second Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts in faithful waiting as we celebrate the birth of Jesus and anticipate His second coming. Coming this time as King of King and Lord of Lords!

It’s hard to imagine Mary receiving God’s message from the angel Gabriel – what a shock it must have been, but she trusted God faithfully just as we are trusting in His second coming today. Scholars think Mary was between 14-16 years of age when she received the angel’s pronouncement. I can only imagine the questions that she had, but her response was, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.”

It is thought Mary was brought up in a devout Jewish family and believed in the God of her ancestors giving her the unconditional faith to answer yes to her calling.

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 faithfully await the chance to celebrate the arrival of our king.

As we light the candle and reflect on the hope God’s plan gives us now, meditate on the promise of Christ’s coming glory-filled return.

May God’s spirit prepare your heart to receive Jesus as your king. May God’s grace abound in your life in this season of holy anticipation.

Advent Prayer

Father, prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth joyfully! We thank you for faithfully doing what you promised long ago when you sent your Son to earth so that we might have the chance to become part of your family. Let the promise of your second coming inspire us to live with hope and purpose.

As we wait for your plan to unfold, give us the patience we need. Remind us of the peace we can access when we take time to still ourselves before you and remember that you are God. We thank you that you are both sovereign and gracious.

Help us to find rest in the midst of what feels like chaos in our world. Amen.