Advent, a season of waiting and preparation, marks the beginning of the liturgical year in many Christian traditions. It is a time to reflect on the anticipation of Christ’s birth and prepare spiritually for the celebrations of Christmas. The four weeks of Advent—each corresponding to a specific theme—invite believers to deepen their faith, renew their spiritual practices, and embrace the journey of waiting with hope and joy.
In this article, we explore the current week of Advent, examining its significance, history, and the spiritual lessons it offers to believers today.
What is Advent? A Time of Waiting and Preparation
Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival.” This season is marked by the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, beginning on Sunday nearest to November 30th, the Feast of St. Andrew. The word Advent refers to the coming of Christ into the world, and it has been celebrated since the 4th century in various forms. It is a season of spiritual renewal, characterized by anticipation, longing, and preparation.
The liturgical color for Advent is purple (or blue in some traditions), symbolizing penance, preparation, and royalty. The season culminates in the celebration of Christmas, when Christians around the world commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas. It is an invitation to open our hearts and minds to the mystery of Christ’s first coming and to prepare for his second coming in glory. The season is divided into four weeks, each with its own unique theme and focus, offering a rich tapestry of spiritual reflection.
The Current Week of Advent
The current week of Advent (week two) is an important one. It is a time to deepen our reflection on the themes of hope, peace, and preparation for the coming of Christ. Each of the four weeks of Advent has its own focus, and week two highlights the theme of peace, as well as the figure of John the Baptist, who prepares the way for the coming of Christ.
Theme of Week Two: Peace
The second week of Advent is associated with the theme of peace. The Scripture readings for this week emphasize the peace that Christ brings into the world and the need for us to cultivate peace in our own lives and in the world around us. This week is a call to reflect on the ways in which we are called to live out the message of peace, both in our personal relationships and in our communities.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming Messiah as the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), who will bring about the restoration of peace in the world. This prophetic vision of peace is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who calls his followers to be peacemakers. During this week, Christians are invited to reflect on how they can embody the peace of Christ in their daily lives and relationships.
In the Gospel readings for this week, the figure of John the Baptist appears as the one who prepares the way for the Messiah. John’s message is one of repentance and transformation, calling people to prepare for the coming of the Lord by making their hearts and lives ready for his arrival. This preparation involves not only a spiritual transformation but also a commitment to living lives of peace, justice, and love.
The Role of John the Baptist in Week Two
John the Baptist is a central figure in the second week of Advent. As the forerunner of Christ, he is the one who prepares the people for the coming of the Savior. John’s message was one of repentance and renewal. He called the people to turn away from sin and to turn toward God, to be cleansed and made ready for the arrival of the Messiah.
In the Gospel of Matthew, John’s proclamation is clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). John’s call to repentance is not just about moral reform but about preparing one’s heart to receive Christ. This message resonates deeply during the second week of Advent, as Christians are reminded that the coming of Christ requires inner transformation. In a world that is often torn by division, conflict, and turmoil, the call to prepare for the peace of Christ through repentance and renewal is especially urgent.
The Advent Wreath and Its Symbolism
An important tradition during Advent is the use of the Advent wreath. The wreath consists of four candles—three purple and one pink—arranged in a circular fashion, representing the continuous nature of God’s love. Each candle represents a different week of Advent, with the candle for each week being lit on the corresponding Sunday. The lighting of the candles serves as a visual reminder of the journey toward Christ’s birth.
Week Two Candle: The Peace Candle
The candle for the second week of Advent is traditionally purple, symbolizing the theme of peace. This candle is often referred to as the Peace Candle, reflecting the focus on peace during this week. As the second candle is lit, the faithful are invited to reflect on the peace that Christ brings into the world and to ask themselves how they can contribute to building peace in their own lives and communities.
The Advent wreath is more than a simple decoration; it is a profound symbol of the spiritual journey of Advent. Each week, as a new candle is lit, the light grows brighter, symbolizing the increasing anticipation of the arrival of Christ. The second candle, representing peace, reminds us that Christ is the ultimate source of peace in a troubled world.
The Importance of Waiting and Expectation
Advent is a season of waiting, a time to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. This waiting is not a passive act but an active one, filled with hope, expectation, and anticipation. During the second week of Advent, this sense of active waiting takes on a particular urgency, as Christians reflect on the peace that Christ brings and the ways in which they are called to live out that peace in the world.
Waiting for Christ is a spiritual discipline that invites us to be patient, to trust in God’s timing, and to prepare ourselves for the gift of Christ’s presence. This waiting is not an empty or passive waiting; it is a waiting that is full of expectation, hope, and longing. As the days grow shorter and the season deepens, the spiritual focus of Advent intensifies, leading us closer to the joy and celebration of Christmas.
Practical Ways to Observe the Second Week of Advent
There are many ways in which individuals and communities can observe the second week of Advent. These practices can help deepen the spiritual significance of this season and help believers align their hearts with the themes of peace and preparation.
Prayer and Reflection
Spending time in prayer and reflection is one of the most important ways to observe Advent. In the second week, consider reflecting on the peace of Christ and how you can live out this peace in your daily life. Take time to reflect on the ways in which your relationships and actions can reflect the peace that Jesus offers to the world.
Acts of Peace and Justice
As part of your Advent observance, engage in acts of peace and justice. This might include seeking reconciliation in broken relationships, volunteering to help those in need, or advocating for justice in your community. The second week of Advent is a time to embody the peace of Christ in tangible ways.
Advent Calendar and Wreath Traditions
Use an Advent calendar or Advent wreath to mark the days of Advent. Each day or week, reflect on the scripture readings associated with that time, and take a moment to pray for peace in your life and the world. Lighting the Advent candles each week is a meaningful way to observe the passage of time and deepen your spiritual journey.
Contemplating the Message of John the Baptist
Consider reading and meditating on the message of John the Baptist. Reflect on his call to repentance and transformation, and ask yourself how you can prepare your heart to receive Christ in a deeper way during this Advent season. Repentance is not just about turning away from sin but about making space in our lives for God’s peace to dwell.
Conclusion: Embracing the Peace of Christ
As we move through the second week of Advent, we are invited to reflect on the peace that Christ brings into the world. In the midst of a turbulent and divided world, the peace of Christ offers hope and healing. Advent is a time of preparation, waiting, and anticipation, and as we reflect on the message of peace this week, let us remember that Christ’s peace is not just a gift to be received but a peace to be shared with others.
Through prayer, reflection, and acts of peace, we can embody the spirit of Advent and prepare our hearts to receive the Prince of Peace at Christmas. As the second candle on the Advent wreath is lit, may it shine as a reminder of the peace that is available to all who seek Christ’s presence in their lives. Let this week be a time to embrace the peace of Christ and share it with the world, preparing ourselves and our communities for the joy of Christ’s coming.
Related topics:
- What Prayers Do You Say During Advent?
- Why Advent Is Important to Christians?
- The Spiritual Significance of Advent Candles: Why Pink and Purple?