Unleashed: As you Go – Pray
Second Sunday of Advent – The Bethlehem Candle – Faith
“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. A voice on 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 40:1-5
“A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the LORD.” Matthew 3:3
“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
These words of Bonhoeffer resonate well as we move into week two of this season of Advent. 2020 has been a chaotic year in so many ways, filled with every conceivable emotion. Most of us have at one point or another this year been “troubled in soul.” Out of the anxiety of the year we are able to light the second candle of faith. Holding onto the promises of God that He would bring comfort to the people, we find this same promise holds true today. “Advent reminds us that Christian hope is shaped by what has happened and what’s going to happen again.” Jay Y. Kim
The second Advent candle, lit yesterday, is often called the “Bethlehem” or “Faith” candle. During this advent season of waiting and looking, you quickly realize that faith has a preparatory element to it.
Joseph and Mary prepare to leave for Bethlehem to register for the government-mandated census. Preparation for the birth had been made centuries before when Micah wrote, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (5:2)
Isaiah had told of the preparation God was making to come to a people that were exiled in a broken and parched wilderness. God’s redemption would “make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” God would come as a shepherd feeding, leading and caring for the weary flock.
The story is told of an elderly Scottish preacher being rebuked by one of his deacons one Sunday morning before the service. ““Pastor,” said the man, “something must be wrong with your preaching and your work. There’s been only one person added to the church in a whole year, and he’s just a boy.”
The minister listened, his eyes moistening and his thin hand trembling. “I feel it all,” he replied, “but God knows I’ve tried to do my duty.” On that day, the minister’s heart was heavy as he stood before his flock. As he finished the message, he felt a strong inclination to resign.
After everyone else had left, that one boy came to him and asked, “Do you think if I worked hard for an education, I could become a preacher and perhaps a missionary?”
Many years later an aged missionary returned to London from Africa. His name was spoken with reverence. Nobles invited him to their homes. He had added many souls to the church of Jesus Christ, reaching even some of Africa’s most savage chiefs. His name was Robert Moffat, the same Robert who years before had spoken to the pastor that Sunday morning in the old Scottish kirk.
Joseph and Mary loaded the donkey and set off for Bethlehem fueled by faith that was based upon a promise. Over the rugged terrain they made the journey based upon the promise of God. They only had a small glimpse of what this journey would mean to them, to the nation and ultimately to every generation to follow.
What should I pray for during Advent?
- For strong relationships with other people in our community of faith.
- For hearts to see when eyes can’t see tomorrow.
- For confidence in God’s love.
God is great,
Pastor Lynn