Second Sunday of Advent
December 8th, 2024
The lectionary readings invite us to “prepare the way of the Lord” this week. Take a few moments to prayerfully and honestly assess your life and faith; consider which parts seem ready for an encounter with Jesus. In which parts of your life and faith do you think you are unprepared for Jesus? As you reflect on these questions, what feelings surfaced for you? Was your first impulse a desire to hide the “broken” or “vulnerable” parts of yourself from God? Why or why not? Did you experience any feelings of shame or guilt? Did you feel overwhelmed or spiritually scattered? Smug? Self-satisfied? Where do you think these feelings have arisen from? Do they reflect a theology about God that “makes space for grace,” or are you carrying a punitive, judgmental concept of God? Are you willing to consider changing your understanding of God’s love for you? Why or why not?
John calls on the people to turn away from systems of oppression. To turn away from systems of degradation. And we are reminded of the prophetic call “to prepare the way of the Lord.”
As we face these uncertain times, instead of feeling powerless, instead of feeling defeated, we must remind ourselves of what is ours to do. We must remind ourselves that while we might not be able to make the world entirely as it should be, we can continue to prepare the way. Prepare the way for the justice makers, prepare the way for better systems, prepare the way for safety for children, prepare the way for a better world for all of those coming after us.
How might you participate in “preparing the way of the Lord” in the world this week? In your local, national, or global church? Among your family members and friends?
Rev. Deborah
Adapted from source material https://united-church.ca/worship-liturgical-season/second-sunday-advent and https://uscatholic.org/articles/202412/a-reflection-for-the-second-sunday-of-advent