Reflections for the Second Week of Advent

The lectionary passages for the second week of Advent are:

  • Isaiah 40:1-11,  
  • Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 ,  
  • 2 Peter 3:8-15a  and  
  • Mark 1:1-8



    • When I read the lectionary passage from Isaiah for this week, particularly verses 4-5, I immediately hear in my head the anthem "Every Valley" by John Ness Beck (which the choir sang on the 26th of November.)  The anthem and the verses uplift me; they fill me with hope, joy love, and peace, the latter of which just so happens to be represented in this week's Advent wreath.  How good it feels to know that: the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

     I love the inclusiveness of it.  When the glory of the Lord is show ALL shall see it together.  We are ALL part of God's hope, joy, peace and love.  And the fact that we are ALL united in this part of this glory fills me with a great sense of calm and peace.  

     This brings to mind  another wonderful anthem of peace that our choir has sung:  "Creation Will Be At Peace" by Anna Laura Page and J. Paul Williams which also is based on Isaiah chapter 11., particularly verse 9 "They will neither harm nor destroy  on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord."

     The good news that comes not only in the lectionary passages, but in the music of the season can fill us with an inner calm.  As we await the coming of the Christ child, let your soul be filled with the peace that God gives us in the love of the child that is to be born.

     Application:  During this second week, find ways to present peace to yourself.  One suggestion is to find peace through music.  (Links to the two songs mentioned in this reflection are here:  Every Valley:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpzDk0wg_S8
    Creation Will Be At Peace:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FZGtyLMJnQ).  Find a comfortable spot, allow yourself to breath gently and let the beauty of the music wash over you and be at peace.  Are there specific types or pieces of music in which God speaks to you?

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