As Roman Catholics mark the Second Sunday of Advent on Dec. 5, Taytay Palawan Bishop Broderick S, Pabillo reminded the faithful “to prepare for the coming of the Savior.”
“As we mark the Season of Advent, let us remember that we are not preparing for Christmas. We are preparing for Christ, the Son of God, who became man to save the world from eternal damnation,” Pabillo said over Radio Veritas.
The Church leader called on the faithful to change his ways and to strive to be better persons.
“Advent is a time to wait for the coming of Christ. He will come as our King and Judge. He will make all things right and reward the faithful believer,” Pabillo said.
Pabillo continued to encourage the faithful to live their lives according to teachings of the Church and to always stand for what is just and right.
“Let us straighten our paths, always be righteous, and expose lies and deception,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Church rites will include the lighting of the candle of peace, the second purple candle in the Advent wreath.
Also known as the Bethlehem candle, the second purple candle “serves as a reminder that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and that Jesus is King,” said Church officials. The first purple candle, the symbol of hope, that was lit last Sunday on the First Sunday of Advent, will also be lit.
According to the Church, the progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. As the candles are lit over the four-week Season of Advent, it mirrors the darkness of fear receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world.
Confessional prayers will be recited during the Eucharistic celebration as part of the period of anticipation and waiting for the Second Coming while preparing for the celebration of the First Coming of Christ at Christmas.
Celebrated with great anticipation and hope, the traditional theme for the Second Sunday of Advent is God’s Divine Love for Mankind.