Advent SundaysSample

2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT: FAITH IS BELIEVING WITHOUT SEEING

LIGHTING THE SECOND PURPLE CANDLE: This candle represents your faith. (Remember that various cultures have different traditions. Some use pink instead of purple candles, and it is what is in your heart that matters.)

Advent is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning coming or arrival.

The time of Advent gives us a season filled with not only celebration but expectation and hope of the Jesus' coming and arrival.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

As we enter the Christmas season, let us remember that our salvation is a gift of God, and we believe in this gift through our faith. We didn’t earn it, and we don’t deserve it, so we cannot boast that we did anything to receive it.

The greatest gift of all is the hope and faith of believers all over the world who have accepted Jesus as the only way to an eternal home in heaven. This week, it’s the celebration of faith in God that we want to emphasize. Scripture tells us that every man has been dealt a measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

Some consider themselves atheists and deny faith in God, yet when they board an airplane and don’t know the pilot, they are using a measure of faith that the pilot will get them to their destination. So, although you may know those who deny faith in God, we can refer back to Romans 12:3 to note that each of us uses a God-given measure of faith every day. “Lord, we pray for those who need Your salvation. Stir up their faith during this Advent season to recognize who You are.”

LET US CELEBRATE: This week use a measure of your faith and visit someone you haven’t seen in a long time. On another day, pick up the phone and call a person who would appreciate hearing from you.

PRAYER: Father, we thank You for Your gift of salvation and that all You expect in return is that we accept it by faith. We can’t see salvation, we can’t see You, but we know that You are the great I Am! In Jesus’ Name. Amen.