SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT IN ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image of Purple Candle for second week of Advent

By Edward Matulanya 

Here are Overview, prayers, readings,  and practice of second week of Advent in the Roman Catholic Church.

1. Overview of the Second Week of Advent: Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s Peace

The Second Week of Advent emphasizes peace, one of the core themes of the season. According to Catholic teaching, Advent is a time of spiritual preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997). This week invites believers to quiet their hearts, remove distractions, and focus on the peace Christ brings to the world. For example, a family might choose to pray together each night, asking God to bring peace to their home, their community, and the world.

2. Second Advent Candle: The Candle of Peace and Its Catholic Symbolism

The second purple candle on the Advent wreath is known as the Candle of Peace or the Bethlehem Candle. Its light represents the Holy Family’s faithful journey to Bethlehem and the peace that Christ brings to humanity (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops [USCCB], n.d.). For example, during the Second Sunday of Advent, the candle is lit at Mass as the congregation enters into prayerful reflection on Christ’s peace.

3. Scripture Readings for the Second Week of Advent in the Catholic Church

Each year, the Scripture readings for this week emphasize comfort, peace, and conversion. The prophet Isaiah’s writings and John the Baptist’s message appear prominently (USCCB, n.d.). For example, the common readings include; Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11, God brings comfort to His people. Psalm 85, a prayer for God’s peace and kindness. Matthew 3:1–12,  John the Baptist urges repentance to prepare the way of the Lord. These readings encourage Catholics to renew their hearts and create space for Christ’s saving presence.

4. How Catholics Observe the Second Week of Advent at Home

The Church encourages families to continue building a prayerful atmosphere at home throughout Advent. Home devotion is considered part of the Church’s broader life of faith (CCC, 1997). For example, home practices of lighting the second candle of the Advent wreath, reading a short Scripture passage before meals, adding figures to the Nativity set, and practicing peaceful habits, such as avoiding arguments or helping others. These simple acts help deepen spiritual preparation for Christmas.

5. Prayers and Reflections for the Second Sunday of Advent

Prayers during this week typically focus on peace, trust, and readiness for Christ’s coming. The Church teaches that prayer helps believers enter more deeply into God’s presence (CCC, 1997).

Example of prayer in second week of Advent.

“Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace, calm our hearts this week. Help us prepare a place for You through kindness, forgiveness, and love.”

Parishes often offer reconciliation services or Adoration during this week to help parishioners spiritually prepare for Christmas.

6. John the Baptist’s Message in the Second Week of Advent

John the Baptist plays a central role in the Second Week of Advent. He calls God’s people to repentance, which the Church teaches is necessary for preparing one’s heart for Christ (CCC 1427–1429). His message of conversion points toward inner peace that comes from living according to God’s will. For example, teen might decide to give up a bad habit, apologize to someone they hurt, or practice honesty in school as a way to “prepare the way of the Lord.”

7. Advent Traditions: Lighting the Second Purple Candle

Lighting the Advent wreath is a long-standing Catholic tradition symbolizing the growing light of Christ as Christmas approaches (USCCB, n.d.). The lighting of the second candle reminds believers of their call to work for peace in their own lives. For example, at a school assembly, one student reads a passage from Isaiah while another lights the second candle, creating a meaningful moment of reflection.

8. Catholic Advent Practices: Acts of Kindness for Week Two

Since peace must be lived out in action, the Church encourages Catholics to practice small acts of kindness that promote harmony (Pope Francis, 2013). These acts mirror Christ’s love and help transform daily life. For examples, helping a classmate who is struggling, being patient with siblings, doing chores without being asked and writing a note of encouragement to someone. These small acts help spread Christ’s peace in practical ways.

9. Second Week of Advent Hymns and Worship Themes

Worship during this week emphasizes peace, hope, and preparation. Music enriches the Church’s prayer life and helps the faithful reflect on Christ’s coming (USCCB, n.d.).

Example of common hymns in second week of Advent include.

I. O Come, Divine Messiah

II. People, Look East

III. Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

10. How the Second Week of Advent Helps Us Prepare for Christmas Spiritually

The Second Week calls Catholics to cultivate inner peace, practice forgiveness, and prepare spiritually for the birth of Christ. Advent reminds believers that Christmas is not only a celebration of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem but also an invitation to welcome Him into their hearts today (CCC, 1997). For example, a family may create a quiet evening during the week to turn off devices, read Sacred Scripture, and reflect together on Christ’s peace.

References

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1997). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Pope Francis. (2013). Evangelii gaudium: The joy of the Gospel. Vatican Press. https://www.vatican.va

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). Advent. https://www.usccb.org

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (n.d.). Daily readings. https://bible.usccb.org