Advent (Week Two)

70 miles of harrowing road stretch beneath these skies //

as I turn my eyes – toward Bethlehem //

a journey I would not have chosen. //

Yet, it shows in – Mary’s face //

a supernatural grace – to trust in the Word that was spoken: //

Behold, highly favored one, believe! //

For you will conceive – in your womb, //

the One from whom – your salvation comes. //

Born in the slums – of a stable, //

our God is able – to give the virgin a Son, //

the One – who will save His people from their sin. //

Whether bedouin – or kings, //

peace He brings – this One who frees us: //

And you shall call His name – Jesus. // 

So it begins, this journey into the unknown, //

where tears are sown – and blood is spilt, //

where a kingdom is built – in the hearts of the lowly. //

This night, holy – God in a manger //

This divine Stranger – asleep on the straw. //

So, stand in awe – you shepherds. Worship Him, you kings, //

as this heavenly host sings – “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” //

This angelic song is true. //

The question is, “Have you – put your faith in this Jesus?” //

The second candle of Advent is the Candle of Faith. It is also called the “Bethlehem Candle”, and as we light it, we remember the faith of Joseph and Mary as they trusted in the promises of God amidst all the fears of the unknown.  

Then the angel said to her,

“Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God. And you will convince in your womb and bring forth a Son, And shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, And of His kingdom there will be no end.” 

Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, And the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God… For with God, nothing will be impossible.” 

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to Your word” (Luke 1:30–38).

The angel’s word came true! The Son of God appeared. No greater life was ever lived. He has taken the throne of David. And He is reigning now – over heaven & earth. And of His kingdom there will be no end. His Name – is JESUS.

Today, Jesus is calling you to join Joseph and Mary on this journey – where we walk, not by sight, but by faith in the Son of God, the Savior of the world, Jesus – for He – is – the light of the world.