Advent Journey Day 8: Second Sunday in Advent

The Advent Journey continued today with the lighting of the second candle.  A lovely family from Zambia read the liturgy today.  The light is growing stronger.  I hope you feel the warmth and brightness of Christ shining on you.  We shared in Holy Communion today as well.  What better way to encounter the tangible grace of God than around the table that He prepares and invites us to. 

Reader 1: 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.

Reader 2: On this second Sunday of Advent we choose to be a peaceful presence in this midst of a frantic season. We light the candle of peace to remind us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace and that through him peace is found.

Light the second purple candle here.

Reader 3: 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. We light this candle as symbol of God's light shining in the darkness. The Light has come into the world and it shines as brightly now as it did then. The darkness didn't overcome it then and it never will.

Reader 4: Let us pray:

Thank you God for the peace you give us. In this season of hustle and bustle we are tempted to get frantic and join the panic to shop our way into the holiday spirit. In this moment, help us to resist that temptation and choose instead to be at peace with you and with others. Thank you for being our prince of peace. 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, Jesus, the one who taught us to pray saying: Our Father in heaven. Hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial. Deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

May your week be marked of moments of peace...the peace that passes all understanding, especially when seeking to cope with things that are hard to understand.