[For our Advent sermon series on “Light the Candle,” this 2nd Sunday focused on lighting the candle of peace. The Chancel Choir sang this beautiful arrangement of the song, “One Voice” and invited our congregation to join them. Peace happens when we sing in harmony together.]
O God, in this Season of Advent, I have a question. Is there really enough peace to end wars? Is there really enough peace to overcome centuries-old conflict in the Middle East? Is there really enough peace to end mass shootings? Is there really enough peace for refugees fleeing danger? Is there really enough peace for Democrats and Republicans to find common ground? Is there really enough peace to heal broken relationships and long lasting feuds? Is there really enough peace to calm our own troubled spirits and day to day anxieties? Is there really enough peace to get us through Finals Week?
O God, is there really enough peace to go around? It doesn’t seem like the flame of our second candle is bright enough to truly bring peace to the world, let alone our own hearts that are in need of peace.
Sometimes, it seems like there is more darkness than light, O God. But as we draw closer to the birth of your Son, the light of the world, that’s when we realize that this flame is all we really need. That baby in the manger is all that we really need. That little bit of grape juice and tiny piece of bread is all that we really need. Those few drops of water sprinkled on our head is all that we really need.
Thank you for this second candle around our Advent Wreath that is here to remind us that you are all we need, that small flame is all we really need to receive your peace and share your peace with others.
In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, we now join together as your people of peace in praying the prayer you taught us to say together…
“Our Father, who art in heaven…”
[It’s always a special Sunday when we have the opportunity to celebrate a baptism. Welcome to your church family, Gabrielle Rose Ward!]
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