The Second Advent Candle

If you're using an advent wreath, this Sunday the second candle is lit in addition to the first.

Amid all the beauty of Christmas decorations and services, it's a very dark thing that necessitated the incarnation - our sin.  I think most of us rarely dwell on our sin, but when we do it could overwhelm us because of the guilt and penalty it justly brings us.  Our Savior Jesus is the only hope for redemption - for not receiving what we deserve.  Instead, God gives us the gift of His Son; Jesus willingly gives Himself to stand in the dock in our stead.  That is the most infinitely valuable gift for all of us.

Psalm 130:1-8

Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
    Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
    to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities,
    Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
    so that you may be revered.
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
    more than those who watch for the morning,
    more than those who watch for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the LORD!
    For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
    and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
    from all its iniquities.