"The Nativity" by Reina Resto
As we travel through the spiritual journey of Advent, the second Sunday traditionally symbolizes the virtue of Faith. The second purple candle that is lit on this Sunday is known as the "Bethlehem Candle." Reflecting on the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem during the weeks leading up to the first Christmas is a good way to remain in a spirit of humble reflection and penance.
Even the faith of Mary and Joseph must have been put to the test during the back breaking arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They had to travel 90 miles to the city of Joseph's ancestors: south along the flatlands of the Jordan River, then west over the hills surrounding Jerusalem, and on into Bethlehem.
They were not unaccustomed to traveling on foot, but with Mary’s advanced state of pregnancy, to say that “the going was rough” would be a terrible understatement. They would have passed through dry, rough terrains, rocky hillsides, desert valleys and perhaps green olive groves, relying on the kindness of strangers to find a place to rest at night.
All this hardship was borne in a spirit of faith, knowing that what had been promised to them would be fulfilled, despite all physical evidence to the contrary. The Child in Mary’s womb would be the Savior of all humanity. The Creator of all the hillsides and valleys through which they passed would soon, so very soon, take His first breath amongst them. Within a matter of days, the entire world would be changed.
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
So on this second Sunday we are given the opportunity to prepare our hearts in faithful waiting, celebrate the birth of Jesus, and ready ourselves for his second coming. It's a beautiful chance to reflect on the ways prophecy has been fulfilled and to ponder what the future (promised to us through prophecies) will bring.
Psalm 46:10-11 says:
...Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
In this season, let us pause to remember who God is and what He has done for us. When our lives are hurried, we only have the chance to focus on our to-do lists. Through faithful obedience, we need to make space in our schedules for prayer and meditation to better see God at work in our lives and in our world.
As we remain in anticipation of what is to come, let’s continue to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ arrival as a gift to all humanity. May God’s spirit transform the days leading up to Christmas into a time of holy anticipation; preparing our hearts, as we faithfully await the chance to celebrate the arrival of our King.
Prayer:
Loving God, may we be faithful in the journey with you. Sometimes it is a long and winding road but I trust that your faithful guidance will lead us through all the paths we will take. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
My love and prayers,
Ann