The Second Week of Advent Readings - begins December 8
Today we light the Bethlehem candle, also known as the candle of peace. The world at the time of Jesus’ birth was not experiencing peace, but conflict and oppression. Luke begins telling the story by saying, “In the days of Herod, king of Judea” (Luke1:5). That opening line says so much about the world at the time of Jesus’ birth, for Herod was an evil man.
But God had promised to send His Anointed Servant to bring peace to the world. As Isaiah records, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Earlier in Isaiah, he describes a day when people will no longer need their weapons of war and will convert them to plows and pruning hooks (Isaiah 2:3-5). Micah reiterates Isaiah’s prophecy, adding, “they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken” (Micah 4:4). This image is of the relaxed, secure experience of God’s people because of the rule of Christ.
The Apostle John says, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:3,4).
Can we even imagine experiencing this level of peace in our world and in our lives? Can we envision experiencing no more tears, no separation by death, and no more crying or pain?
This is the promise of Jesus’ birth, the complete reversal of sin and suffering. A return to the Garden of Eden, but even better, because according to John, God will dwell in our midst.
Jesus carries the weight of God’s mission to provide peace to His people. While that’s a significant weight for this baby, born in a manger in Bethlehem, our heavenly Father chose Him because of His self-less obedience, righteous character, generosity, and love.
As we light this purple candle of peace, we rejoice in the promises of God being fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Weekly Readings for Further Study
Sunday: Read today’s Advent reading (written above) at home.
Monday: Read Psalm 11 today. Meditate on how this applies to your present-day experience.
Tuesday: Read Luke 1:5-17. Consider how Zechariah was living his life in the challenges of his day. How should we live in perilous times? How does this illustrate C.S. Lewis’ quote:
If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb, when it comes, find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies, but they need not dominate our minds…Let the bomb find you doing well.
Wednesday: Read Luke 1:18-25. What does this passage tell you about God’s presence in Zechariah and Elizabeth’s lives? What does this suggest about God’s presence in your life?
Thursday: The angel Gabriel explains that John will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even in his mother’s womb. Then we see the evidence in Luke 1:39-45. While John was yet unborn, the Spirit filled him. What does that communicate about the unborn? What does this tell us about the Spirit’s ability to engage even the unformed brain (or disabled brain)?
Friday: Read Luke 1:57-80. Meditate on Zechariah’s prophecy. What stands out to you?
Saturday: In preparation for Sunday, read Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38.
For Families with Children
Read through Luke 1:5-80 in small sections this week, about 14 verses per day. Help them think about what’s happening in the text in the lives of the people, particularly Zechariah and Elizabeth. The big idea is Psalm 11:3, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” How should we respond to the corruption in society? Where is God in our moment? Zechariah and Elizabeth remain faithful to their regular duties, and God was intimately involved in their lives.