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December is underway as we come into the Second Sunday of Advent in worship today! Our Gospel from Mark introduces us to the "one who prepares the way' referencing John the Baptist. Mark has a real sense of urgency to the coming of our Lord, using the word "immediately" a number of times. Mark starts off with our verses chapter 1: 1-8 "The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ."
Perhaps the words of the prophet Isaiah might ring true for us today in our world: "Lift up your hearts, don't be afraid and say to all people "Here is your God!" (Is. 40:10-11). Really nice imagery here in this passage of this God who comes softly and quietly to "gather the lambs and carry them and lead like the mother sheep!" Peter in our Second reading says it this way, "Beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by Christ without spot or blemish, and regard the peace of the Lord as salvation."
Peace is our theme here in the second week of Advent. Last week we lit one candle for "hope" and today the second candle is lit for "peace!" Isn't that interesting "givan" the world we live in today? Pandemic peace does not sound like the right term, but the hope for a vaccine, I believe, leads us to peace. We forget, I believe, to stop looking "out" for the things we want, but to look "in" for God within, Emmanuel. God is with us, in Jesus Christ, the source of true peace in the pieces of life!
