The Second Week of Advent

The second week of Advent is a remembrance of Bethlehem and God’s love for us for sending His One and Only Son. It was not a gilded cradle where the King of Kings was laid upon His birth, but a lowly feeding trough for beasts of the field. He was not born in a palace, but in a filthy barn in Bethlehem. This week we remember God’s amazing love that He would send His perfect, sinless Son into a fallen world that we might have the opportunity to live forever with Him in the glory of heaven.


The Scripture Reading:
“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, every one to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David to be registered with Mary, his bethrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:1-7

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

The Prayer:
Heavenly Father we thank You for Your immense love that You would give us Your precious Son in a Bethlehem stable. We praise You and adore You and thank You Father for the salvation we have through the One who was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

The Candle:
The second week of Advent is celebrated with the lighting of the second purple candle which reminds us of the Love of God poured out to us when He gave His one and only Son, Jesus Christ at Bethlehem. Remember to re-light the candle from the first week!

The Song: (Suggested)
O Little Town of Bethlehem

This traditional Christmas carol was written by Phillips Brooks, an Episcopal Priest. Three years after he visited Bethlehem in 1865 he penned the poem we know today as the song, O Little Town of Bethlehem.