Coffee & Writing

My apologies for shoving two weeks of Advent into one, but I have not just been a little under weather but rather crushed by the weather, so I have to combine both. Please forgive me for just copying most and pasting most of the information from AI; I pray AI is not giving us FI (False Information).

Week 2: Peace

The second week of Advent is the week of peace, and is marked by the lighting of the second Advent candle, also known as the “Bethlehem Candle.” The theme of peace is central to the Advent season, and the second week focuses on it in particular. 

Here are some things to consider about the second week of Advent:

• The meaning of peace The word “peace” in the Bible is the Hebrew word shalom, which means “completeness” or “well-being.” The Greek word eirēnē is another translation of “peace” in the New Testament, and it refers to a state of prosperity and human flourishing. 
• The story of Mary and Joseph The second Advent candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth to Jesus. 
• The prophecy of Jesus as the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6-7 calls Jesus “the Prince of Peace.” 
• The angels’ message When the angels appeared to the shepherds, they said, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). 

This is worth a watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ8qjdxxzzE

• Simeon’s experience When Simeon saw baby Jesus in the temple, he thanked God that he could die in peace.

-AI

There is a beautiful Canticle of Simeon…

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled: my own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: a light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

Response: Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in His peace. Alleluia!

Week 3: Joy

The third Sunday of Advent is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete in Latin means rejoice! We rejoice in the birth of Jesus.

The third week of Advent is centered on joy and the birth of Jesus. Here are some things to consider during this week: 

Prepare for Christ’s coming Ask God to keep you aware of his presence and to enlighten you with his grace.

The third candle The third candle of Advent is pink and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” It symbolizes joy and is lit on the third Sunday of Advent, which is also known as Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is a Latin word that means “rejoice.” 

The shepherds The shepherds are central to the third week of Advent because they were the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth. In the Bible, angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields and told them that Jesus had been born in a manger. The shepherds were filled with joy and went to Bethlehem to see Jesus. 

Reflect on joy Consider the joy you have and will experience during Advent. You can also reflect on the joy that Jesus was full of and how he shares that joy with us.

-AI

One of the most unusual things about Gaudete Sunday is that it is one of two times out of the year that priests wear pink–excuse me, rose–colored vestments. The other time is during Lent for Laetare Sunday, which occurs during the fourth Sunday of Lent and laetare means internal joy; whereas, gaudete means exuberant joy.

Miriam Kavanagh