2014 Advent Wreath Meditations: Second Sunday of Advent (McIntyre)

Second Sunday of Advent: December 7, 2014

[Light the first candle in the Advent wreath.]

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” (Mark 1:2-3,, NRSV.)

And John, the messenger of God, proclaimed to all the people who came to him in the wilderness that they must repent of their sins and be baptized. Many people heard his message, repented, and were baptized in the river Jordan.

It has become our custom to prepare for the birth of the Messiah by decorating our cities and homes, hanging lights inside and out, singing "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," and measuring the quality of our Christmas morning by the number of gifts we receive.

[Light the second candle in the Advent wreath.]

As we light this second candle in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, perhaps we need to listen again to John the Baptizer’s message, preparing the way of the Lord:

…make straight the paths

…repent of your sins

…be baptized

…and live holy lives devoted to God.

ALL: COME, LORD JESUS. AMEN.

Recommended Songs:

• “Down by the Jordan,” Worship & Song, no. 3045, st. 1
• “Cry of My Heart,” The Faith We Sing, no. 2165, refrain and st. 1
• “Prepare the Way of the Lord” (Taizé), The United Methodist Hymnal, no. 207

Links

Advent Wreath Candlelighting Meditations for Home and Church – 2014

First Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Christmas Eve

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