Second Sunday of Advent

by Beth A. Richardson

Mark 1:1-8

Listen to the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

Prepare the way of the Lord.

The time is coming, John the baptizer tells us. Now is the time to prepare for the coming of the Christ child.

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Make the rough places smooth. Straighten the crooked places. Prepare all the paths so that hope may find its way.

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Make room for the Holy One. Empty out a space in the inn, in the stable, in the corners of our hearts. Make room in the busyness, in the crowds, in our filled-up, frantic lives.

Prepare the way of the Lord.

Heed the call to prepare space in our hearts and lives for Christ’s birth. As we light this second candle of Advent, let us pray for wisdom and courage to prepare ourselves to receive God’s holy child. Listen to the voice of the one crying out in the wilderness. Prepare the way.

Prepare the way of the Lord. Amen.

Suggested hymn: “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Beth A. Richardson has been a part of The Upper Room’s publishing ministry for more than thirty years, serving Alive Now, Weavings, and in web ministry. She is currently The Upper Room's Director of Prayer and Worship Life. She is a photographer, writer, and shares life with Jack, a very wise Scottish Terrier, and Arya, a brilliant and clever rescue dog. Follow Beth at betharichardson.org.

Advent/Christmas prayers by Beth A. Richardson. © 2011 Alive Now. Permission granted to use in corporate worship settings. From November/December 2011 Alive Now. Copyright © 2011 by The Upper Room.