The second week of Advent turns our hearts toward peace. As the wreath's light grows, we light a second candle, hear John the Baptist's call to "prepare the way of the Lord," and long for the peace that only Christ, the Prince of Peace, can bring. Here is what the second week of Advent means, and how to live it well.
The second week of Advent: a season of peace
In the second week we light a second purple candle, and the theme shifts from hope to peace. The Gospels of this week put John the Baptist front and center, the voice crying out in the wilderness, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths" (Mark 1:3). John reminds us that peace begins with preparation, with clearing away whatever keeps Christ at a distance.
This is also the week our hearts travel toward Bethlehem, the little town where the Prince of Peace would be born. The prophet Isaiah had promised him centuries before: "For a child is born to us... and his name shall be called... Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
The Bethlehem Candle
The second candle, another purple one, is often called the Bethlehem Candle, or simply the Peace Candle. It calls to mind Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the peace that came into the world with the newborn Christ, the peace the angels sang over the fields: "and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests" (Luke 2:14). Two flames now stand against the darkness, and the light is growing.
What is the peace of Christ?
The peace Christ offers is not simply the absence of conflict, and it is not the fragile calm the world tries to sell us at Christmas. It is the deep peace that comes from being reconciled with God. As Jesus told his disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you" (John 14:27).
That is why Advent is such a fitting time to make peace with God, often through the Sacrament of Confession, and to make peace with the people in our lives. When our hearts are at peace with God, we can carry that peace into a restless world.
How to live the second week of Advent
- Light the second candle with your family and pray together for peace.
- Make peace with God. Go to Confession this Advent. There is no better way to prepare the way of the Lord in your own heart.
- Be a peacemaker. Mend a strained relationship, offer forgiveness, or simply speak more gently this week.
- Guard some quiet. Turn off the noise for a few minutes each day and let the peace of Christ settle in.
A prayer for lighting the second candle
Lord God, as we light the second candle of this wreath, prepare the way in our hearts. Grant us your peace, the peace the world cannot give, and make us peacemakers who prepare the way of the Lord. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
What does the second Advent candle mean?
The second candle stands for peace. It is lit on the Second Sunday of Advent as we prepare the way for the Prince of Peace.
What is the Bethlehem Candle?
It is a common name for the second Advent candle, recalling the town of Bethlehem where Christ, our peace, was born.
What color is the second Advent candle?
Purple (violet), the color of preparation. The first, second, and fourth candles are purple; the third is rose.
What is the theme of the second week of Advent?
Peace, the peace that comes from being reconciled with God through Christ.
The four weeks of Advent
- Week One: Hope – The Prophet's Candle
- Week Two: Peace – The Bethlehem Candle (you are here)
- Week Three: Joy – The Shepherd's Candle
- Week Four: Love – The Angel's Candle
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