Today is the eve of Advent II so we reflect on John the Baptist and the position of a man who saw the coming of the King, a man probably as derided as those today who claim to anticipate the second coming. John and his modern contemporaries happily take us out of our comfort zone, reminding us that ours is a raw, red clawed faith, fighting for the salvation of the world as offered by Christ against adversity. There is a joy in this season of course and a joy in waiting as John waited, immersed in the waters of duty, while we sing 'O Come, Lord Jesus, Come Quickly' - or at least, give us the grace to be your Church in a semblance of the way which you intended in the meantime.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
- Today is the Second Sunday of Advent - the Sunday of Peace.
- Our peace is found in God and in his son, Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist, and all the prophets remind us, that to
receive peace we must be prepared for it.
- We light this candle today to remind us that Christ is
the Prince of Peace, the one promised from the beginning
of the world. We thank God for the hope he gives us and
for the peace he bestows.
Light the First and Second Candles
- Let us pray --- O God of Peace, Emmanuel, we pray you
to send your light into our hearts at this time. Help us
to be ready for the day and the hour of Christ's
appearing. Work in our hearts at this time and help us
prepare ourselves for the peace that he brings - the
inner peace that tells us that we are united with you and
the outer peace which will come when he returns to judge
the world. Bless our worship that it may be pleasing
unto you, and bless us that we may prove to be your
faithful servants. Amen.
that mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
- Today is the Second Sunday of Advent - the Sunday of Peace.
- Our peace is found in God and in his son, Jesus Christ.
John the Baptist, and all the prophets remind us, that to
receive peace we must be prepared for it.
- We light this candle today to remind us that Christ is
the Prince of Peace, the one promised from the beginning
of the world. We thank God for the hope he gives us and
for the peace he bestows.
Light the First and Second Candles
- Let us pray --- O God of Peace, Emmanuel, we pray you
to send your light into our hearts at this time. Help us
to be ready for the day and the hour of Christ's
appearing. Work in our hearts at this time and help us
prepare ourselves for the peace that he brings - the
inner peace that tells us that we are united with you and
the outer peace which will come when he returns to judge
the world. Bless our worship that it may be pleasing
unto you, and bless us that we may prove to be your
faithful servants. Amen.
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