The second candle represents peace and is called the "Angel’s Candle." The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace--He came to bring people close to God and to each other again. This color is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark 1:1-8
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in the prophet Isaiah: "See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
Now John was clothed with camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, "The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
REFLECTION: "I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
We thank God for the many chances He gives us. He gave us the prophets, Isaiah and John the Baptist, to bring us back to Him.
Isaiah, the Major Prophet, announced the coming of the Lord. The Lord was to redeem the world and show us His mercy.
John the Baptist, announced the Lord's coming as well. John offered the Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins as a help to receive Jesus when He came.
Jesus baptized in the Holy Spirit.
And now in Advent 2020, we too await the coming of the Lord--both for His birth but also for His final coming, our Final Judgment. Part of being watchful and alert, repentance is needed as we have sinned and need forgiveness. Our baptism in the Holy Spirit modifies our hearts and opens us to Jesus and His grace.
The Holy Spirit will show us the Truth, where we need to change and the sins that we need to confess.
For those prepared for the Day of the Lord, we will find joy on that day and those not prepared for the Lord will be filled with fear that day.
Choose wisely where you would like to be the day the Lord comes.
God Bless You
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