Second Sunday of Advent


Welcome to the 2nd Sunday of Advent where our focus this week is Peace. While our Gospel today doesn’t use the word, it does conjure up a sense of peace in John the Baptist’s cry, quoting the prophet, Isaiah…


“Every valley shall be filled

and every mountain and hill shall be made low.

The winding roads shall be made straight,

and the rough ways made smooth,

and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”


We are asked to prepare the way in our hearts & homes for the coming of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. The daily readings over the past week have come from the Book of the Prophet, Isaiah, focusing on Jesus’ coming. We can find peace in these readings, knowing that whatever trials we may face in this life, there IS peace in Christ. We can use this Advent season to prepare our hearts & homes for His arrival on Christmas Day & His eventual 2nd Coming. 


Sadly, there are many who do not feel this sense of peace & struggle to find contentment in their daily lives. We were recently at a local “big box” store & throughout our trip, I felt there was something missing during this holiday season. On the way home, my husband asked if it was just him or if there was something off. I told him it wasn’t just him & there was a gloominess about the store in both the customers & sales associates. While no one was outright rude or disrespectful, they just seemed to be in their own little world, a tunnel vision per se. There was no joy, just an impression of stress, worry, or solitude. 


The experience left me sad for those I saw. It also gave me pause to consider how my own attitude & presence can affect those around me. My goal this week will be to try to bring peace to the people I encounter on a daily basis. No matter what their moods may be (& reminding myself that I can only change me), I will try to straighten out those winding roads & smooth over those rough ways, bringing peace & love to those around me. 


What can you do to bring peace to those around you?


As you light your two Advent candles this week, pray for peace…peace around the world, peace within your families, & peace within your own heart. 

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