Sunday, December 5th, 2021
“Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
— Isaiah 40:3 —
Prayer ~
Dear Lord, we ask that you quiet our hearts and mind as we prepare for this second week of Advent. Help us to empty ourselves of the noises that distracts us. May we be open to new discoveries of your love, grace, mercy and compassion. In Jesus name, the name above all names. Amen.
“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
Why Do We Light The Second Candle?
The second candle reminds us that the prophets waited for a Messiah to come and save the people.
“A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
— Isaiah 40:3-5 —
CHRISTMAS STORY • LUKE 1:26-38
“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
🔘 God wanted His people to be ready for the coming Messiah, so He sent prophets throughout history to remind them to prepare their hearts. He also sent John the Baptist to prepare the people for Jesus’ coming. What does this tell us about God?
God is a relentless in His love for us. God loves all and wants all to be redeemed. God wants us to have every opportunity to know and experience His unconditional love. God has chosen to love us.
🔘 How can we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth Jesus?
We can read God’s Word. Read both Matthew and Luke’s narrative of Jesus’ birth. Compare the things that are the same and those that are different.
Consider watching a movie or documentary of Jesus’ birth.
Listen to some Christmas music, try traditional and contemporary.
Go for a walk, talk with God. Spend time is quiet prayer and reflection.
🕯*As we continue to do daily devotion this week, light the first two candles and thank Jesus for being the Answers to our preparation. 🪔
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
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