A devotion for the lighting of an Advent wreath

The Second Sunday of Advent
December 9
(Light two of the purple candles)

This season of Advent demands from us a delicate balance between urgency and patience.  We feel anxious because we long for the celebration.  Children chafe at being told to wait for the wonders of Christmas morning.  Pilgrims anticipate the move from expectation to realization of the coming of Christ into the world.  But, we also feel the need for waiting.  We come to understand that it is important to let this season do its work on our hearts.  An observation so great as that of the coming of the Messiah without adequate preparation is cheaply won.  It takes time to make ready for a day such as the day of Christ's birth. 

So, today we kindle a second candle on our Advent wreath.  The darkness loses a bit more of its power.  The light is slowly claiming our worship space, as it is progressively moving within our hearts.  The coming triumph of the light over the power of ignorance and sin is made more evident.  It becomes more believable.  Our hearts quicken as we draw closer to the time when we proclaim with the prophet Isaiah: 

                  "for the Lord shall be your everlasting light, 
                    and your days of mourning shall be ended."
                                                                   --Isaiah 60:20b



Prayer:
Eternal God,
we pray that you will help us long for the coming of our Savior,
and that you will aid us in an unhurried appreciation of the present,
that the Light of the World 
may transform us into children of the light;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.