The Advent season is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. It spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day, with each week having its own themes, symbols, and scriptural focus. The second week of Advent is particularly significant, as it builds upon the hope and anticipation established in the first week and deepens our spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord.
The Theme of the Second Week: Peace
The overarching theme of the second week of Advent is peace. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the deep, abiding peace that comes from knowing God and trusting in His promises. This peace transcends our understanding and circumstances, offering comfort and reassurance in the midst of life’s challenges.
During the second week, Christians reflect on the peace that Jesus brings into the world. This peace is both a present reality and a future hope. In the present, it is experienced through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who brings calm and assurance to the believer’s heart. In the future, it will be fully realized when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom of peace.
The Second Advent Candle: The Candle of Peace
The Advent wreath, a key symbol in this season, holds four candles, one for each week of Advent. In the second week, the Candle of Peace is lit. This candle, often purple like the first, represents the peace that Christ’s coming brings to the world.
Lighting this candle is a reminder that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), who came to reconcile humanity with God and to bring peace to our troubled hearts. The light of the candle dispels the darkness, symbolizing how the light of Christ drives out fear, worry, and strife, replacing them with the peace that only He can provide.
Scriptural Focus for the Second Week
The scriptures read during the second week of Advent focus on the prophetic promises of peace and the preparations for the coming of the Messiah. These passages remind believers of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and encourage them to prepare their hearts for Christ’s arrival.
One of the key scriptures often read during this week is Isaiah 40:1-5:
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.'”
This passage speaks of the peace and comfort that come from knowing that God is preparing a way for His people. It foretells the coming of John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for Jesus, the ultimate bringer of peace.
Another significant scripture is Luke 3:4-6, which echoes Isaiah’s prophecy and highlights John the Baptist’s role in preparing for Christ’s ministry:
“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.”‘”
These passages emphasize the importance of preparing our hearts and lives to receive the peace that Jesus brings.
Reflection on Peace in Our Lives
The second week of Advent calls Christians to reflect deeply on the peace that Christ offers. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is a gift from God that sustains us through trials and tribulations. It is a peace that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, as described in Philippians 4:7:
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
In this week, believers are encouraged to examine their lives and identify areas where they lack peace. Whether it is anxiety, fear, or unresolved conflict, Advent is a time to bring these burdens to the Lord and seek His peace. It is also a time to reflect on the peace that we are called to extend to others, following the example of Christ.
The Role of John the Baptist in the Second Week of Advent
John the Baptist is a central figure in the second week of Advent. His role as the forerunner to Christ is crucial in understanding the theme of peace. John’s mission was to prepare the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance and baptism. He preached a message of turning away from sin and returning to God, which is essential for experiencing true peace.
In Matthew 3:1-3, we read:
“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”‘”
John’s call to repentance is a call to peace with God. By turning away from sin and aligning ourselves with God’s will, we open our hearts to the peace that Christ offers. John’s message is a reminder that peace with God is the foundation for peace in all other areas of life.
The Symbolism of the Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath itself is rich with symbolism, particularly in the second week of Advent. The wreath, circular in shape, represents God’s infinite love and the eternal life that Jesus offers. The greenery of the wreath symbolizes life and hope, even in the midst of winter’s darkness.
The second candle, the Candle of Peace, adds to the growing light each week, symbolizing the increasing brightness of Christ’s presence in the world as Christmas approaches. This growing light reminds believers that the darkness of the world cannot overcome the light of Christ, and that His peace will ultimately prevail.
Practices and Traditions for the Second Week of Advent
During the second week of Advent, there are various practices and traditions that help Christians focus on the theme of peace. These traditions vary by denomination and culture but share a common purpose of deepening the spiritual preparation for Christmas.
One common practice is the Advent calendar, which may include daily scriptures, prayers, or reflections related to peace. Each day, as a new door is opened on the calendar, the anticipation for Christmas grows, and the focus remains on preparing the heart for the coming of Christ.
Another tradition is the Advent wreath ceremony, where families or congregations light the second candle and read scriptures or prayers related to peace. This ceremony can be a meaningful way to bring the family together in worship and reflection during this holy season.
In some traditions, the second week of Advent is also a time for acts of peace. This might include reconciling with someone with whom you have a strained relationship, offering forgiveness, or engaging in acts of service that promote peace in your community. These actions embody the peace that Christ brings and help to spread His light in a world that often seems dark and divided.
see also: What Do the Candles in the Advent Wreath Represent?
Connecting Peace with the Other Themes of Advent
The theme of peace in the second week of Advent is closely connected to the other themes of the season: hope, joy, and love. Each of these themes builds upon the others, creating a rich tapestry of spiritual reflection that culminates in the celebration of Christ’s birth.
Hope: The first week of Advent focuses on the hope we have in Christ. This hope is the foundation for the peace we experience in the second week. Because we have hope in God’s promises, we can experience His peace, even in uncertain times.
Joy: The third week of Advent, traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday, emphasizes joy. The peace we have in Christ naturally leads to joy, as we are filled with the assurance of God’s presence and love.
Love: The fourth week of Advent focuses on love, the ultimate expression of God’s peace. Jesus’ birth is the ultimate act of love, bringing peace to the world through His sacrificial love.
These themes are not isolated but are interconnected, each enriching the others and deepening our understanding of the Advent season.
Conclusion: Embracing the Peace of Christ in Advent
The second week of Advent is a powerful time of reflection and preparation, centered on the theme of peace. As Christians light the Candle of Peace and meditate on the scriptures, they are reminded of the peace that Christ brings—peace with God, peace within, and peace with others.
This week invites believers to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Prince of Peace by turning away from sin, seeking reconciliation, and embracing the peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a time to reflect on the ways that Christ’s peace is already present in their lives and to look forward with hope to the day when His peace will reign fully and forever.
As the light of the Advent wreath grows brighter with each passing week, so too does the anticipation and joy of welcoming Christ into our world and our hearts. May the peace of Christ, which we celebrate in the second week of Advent, fill our lives and guide us as we continue our journey through this holy season.