VICAR

Dear Readers of Country Squire Magazine, I trust that You are well and busy, that You are somewhat prepared for the Christmas holidays which loom before us.

What does the 2nd week of Advent represent?

Isaiah 9:6 – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

The Second Week of Advent is the week of Faith. The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. The second candle is also purple to symbolise preparation for the coming king. The second candle is lit on this day along with the first candle. It is the Bethlehem candle, reminding us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” Advent in the 4th and 5th century was a time of preparation for the baptism of new Christians. Christians would spend 40 days in prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration that accompanied the baptism of new believers.

No matter how we choose to celebrate the season of Advent, let’s remember the beauty and grace of Jesus. He entered our dark, broken world on the first Christmas long ago, and He’s working even now to restore light, peace, and life. May your family find rich blessings from incorporating the advent wreath and other traditions into your celebration of this season.

God Bless You All. Have a lovely Sunday.

Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus who came to be the Prince of Peace and save us from our sinfulness. Help us to trust in Jesus to make us complete and to show the peace of Jesus to one another. Amen