The Second Sunday in Advent, Year B
06 December 2020
The Collect: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reflection: We are now at thesecond week of Advent and the theme for this week is, Peace. But, the peace of which we speak is not merely the absence of conflict or war; peace, for the believer, refers to the deep personal inner awareness and joy that comes from knowing and being in harmony with Him who is the highest – our Creator God.
As believers, we are also called to be a community that gathers around His table, in His name and in His honour. We are now living in a time that is different and challenging and we sometimes find it difficult to celebrate our faith and to celebrate the opening and sharing our hearts and minds, in person, as church.
Today, we are confined to our homes and it is a time that has caused us to be still and to seek peace. However, in the midst of our darkness, heightened by the darkness of the times in which we live, we can see the light of peace. This peace offers us a sense of security, knowing that He has equipped us with personal resources which, along with our faith, can help us to endure, overcome and move beyond the difficulties. As children of God, we do well to practise the characteristics of joy, love, gratitude and generosity, as part of our Christian identity, We must not forget that, in this second week of Advent, God is calling us to accept His peace, especially through repentance of our sin.
In the middle of our darkness, there is light; the light that emanates from His peace and which is a part of our identity as children of God. Our God is characteristically a God who is working His purpose out. May our gift of the Advent time bring to all, His peace and quiet through our thoughts, our hearts, our words and deeds as we carry out His purpose for all mankind. In the midst of the darkness, may we be the evidence of His peace and light.
Meditation: Peace – a short word but a great gift of gratitude and generosity.
Prayer: God of life and love, we thank You for Your coming to us, through Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; and for the gifts that You give us to keep us vigilant and joyful. May Your Holy Spirit guide us and prepare us to receive You in our hearts. Amen.
St. Jude’s Church
Stony Hill
Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas 2020
by The St. Jude’s Writers
