Year C - Advent 2

Liturgy of the Word

Malachi 3:1-4
Luke 1:68-79
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6

Collect (BCP):

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE CANDLES OF ADVENT - YEAR C
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT: PEACE

Last Sunday we lit the first candle in our Advent Wreath, the candle of hope. We light it again as we remember that Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, will come again to fulfil all of God's promises to us.

The second candle of Advent is the Candle of Peace. Peace is a word that we hear a lot. It is one of the things that we hope for. Christ brought peace when he first came to us and he will bring everlasting peace when he comes again.

The prophet Isaiah called Christ "the Prince of Peace". When Jesus came he taught people the importance of being peace makers. He said that those who make peace shall be called the children of God.

We light the candle of peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.

Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.

Let us pray:

Thank you God for the peace you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your peace with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.

____________________
© Rev. Richard J. Fairchild 1993, 1996, 1999