Second Sunday of Advent

The Second Sunday of Advent continues the Church's preparation for Christ's coming. While the First Sunday focused on watchfulness, this Sunday typically highlights the figure of John the Baptist—the voice crying in the wilderness.

John the Baptist: The Forerunner

The Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent always features John the Baptist:

"In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!'" — Matthew 3:1-2

John is the last and greatest of the prophets, the bridge between the Old Testament and the New. He came to prepare the way for the Messiah.

"Prepare the Way of the Lord"

John's message echoes the prophet Isaiah:

"The voice of one who calls out, 'Prepare the way of the LORD in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." — Isaiah 40:3-4

The imagery is powerful: leveling mountains, filling valleys, straightening crooked paths. This is the work of Advent—removing obstacles to Christ's coming in our hearts.

The Call to Repentance

John preached a baptism of repentance. His message was direct and uncompromising. When crowds came to him, he demanded evidence of genuine conversion:

"Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!" — Matthew 3:8

Advent is a penitential season. The purple vestments remind us that preparation for Christmas includes examining our lives and turning away from sin.

The Advent Wreath: Second Candle

On this Sunday, we light the second candle on the Advent wreath, often called the "Bethlehem Candle" or "Preparation Candle." The growing light symbolizes the approach of Christ, the Light of the World.

Preparing Our Hearts

As John called Israel to prepare for the Messiah's first coming, Advent calls us to prepare for his second coming—and for his coming into our hearts this Christmas. What valleys need filling? What mountains need leveling? What crooked paths need straightening?