Second Sunday - Advent Wreath
Light the first two purple candles.
Say
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)
Read
The second candle symbolizes PREPARATION.
It is also referred to as Bethlehem’s Candle. Micah prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of King David.
Read Scripture
Micah 5:2
“As for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, seemingly insignificant among the clans of Judah—from you a king will emerge who will rule over Israel on my behalf, one whose origins are in the distant past.”
Luke 2:1-7
“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes. This was the first registration, taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to his own town to be registered. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David. He went to be registered with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him, and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Reflect
- How does knowing that details of Jesus’s birth were prophesied a long time before they happened increase your faith?
- From what you remember of the story, how did Mary and Joseph each show faith and hearts that were prepared to respond to God as they were asked to be the mother and father of the Messiah?
Pray
Lord, we confess that we do not always have perfect faith in you. Thank you for the many ways you strengthen our faith through fulfilled prophecies, scripture, experiences, the stories of other people of faith, and so much more. Increase our faith and help us respond to you in trust and obedience as Mary and Joseph did so long ago. Amen.
Author
Elise Walter
Elise has attended Scarlet City Church for over 10 years and has served in many areas, most recently as an elementary teacher in Scarlet City Kids.