Advent 2 Yr C
Prepare/Peace

Scripture: December 5, 2021—Baruch 5:1-9 (image); Song of Zechariah (image); Philippians 1:3-11 (image); Luke 3:1-6 (image). 

Collect: Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Reflection: The prophet Malachi says that God is “like a refiner’s fire and like fuller’s soap” (Mal. 3:2). Reflect on events of the past year. How has God been working to refine and purify your life or your community of faith? Paul writes to the church at Philippi: “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil.1:3–5). Think about people in your life for whom you give thanks, who have been in your prayers, and who have brought good news and joy to you this year. Consider writing them a letter or card to express your gratitude.

For families: Study guide and activities (another guide); group activities; snacks, kid video

For children: See family guide/activities (another activity); bulletin; craft

For middlers: See family guide/activities (another activity); bulletin, craft

For all ages: Coloring page Advent 1 Hope (forgot last week), Advent 2 Peace, Candle of Peace, Isaiah, Philippians 

For youth: It's very interesting that God chose John the Baptist to foretell the coming of Jesus. John, the wonderful announcer, told us that we needed to prepare ourselves for Jesus' coming AND repent. Notice he didn't say prepare OR repent. The word "repent" means to turn away—from the path we have chosen, from the wrong things that we do, from the behaviors that take us away from God. Take time this week to see how you might "turn away". Comments are always welcome.

Today is the first of the two Advent Sundays on which John the Baptist is the central figure. This dynamic prophet marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He announced the time of Messiah’s arrival and called the people of Israel to repentance in preparation for that coming. The Gospels see him as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of one who will prepare the way for God to come to the peoples of the earth.

If using Baruch: The writer of Baruch, one of the books accounted as the Apocrypha by Anglicans, is presented as addressing the Jewish exiles in Babylon with words probably borrowed from Isaiah. God’s people are called to look forward to the coming of God with joy and gladness, for when he comes God will lead all the peoples to our true home.

If using Malachi: The first reading is from the book of the prophet Malachi. To a people who have become careless about their practice of their faith, the prophet brings the word of God that God’s messenger is coming. That messenger will come to reestablish God’s people and to purify them.

The second reading is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. In greeting this congregation, Paul speaks of his affection for them and of his imprisonment. He urges them to continue in faith as they await the day of Christ’s return.

The Old Testament and John the Baptist looked toward the coming of the Messiah in history to establish God’s Kingdom. The New Testament looks toward the return of Christ at the end of history to bring that Kingdom to fulfillment. We, the Church, gather in Eucharist in the “in-between times” to celebrate the foretaste of that Kingdom and to be equipped by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Kingdom to the world.