Catholic Identity

Advent Week 2: Peace 

This week focuses on peace, remembering the peace that Jesus brings to the world and the peace promised in His kingdom. 

Key Messages: 

• Jesus, the Prince of Peace, brings calm and unity to our lives. 
• Like the stable in Bethlehem, Jesus can bring peace to our hearts. 

Gospel – Luke 3:1-6 

3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar-when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene- 2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: 

“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,

 make straight paths for him. 

5 Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill made low. 

The crooked roads shall become straight,

 the rough ways smooth. 

6 And all people will see God’s salvation.’” 

Look at the picture. Do you see John the Baptist standing by the river? He’s telling people to get ready for Jesus! John says we should clear the path, like making a road smooth and straight. 

What does that mean? It means we prepare our hearts by doing good things: 

• Saying sorry when we’ve made mistakes. 
• Being kind and helpful to others. 
• Praying and asking God to guide us. 

The rocks and trees in the picture remind us of things that might get in the way of loving God, like anger or selfishness. John is telling us to clear those away! 

The light from the sky shows that God is helping us. We don’t do this alone—Jesus is coming to help us and fill us with His love. 

How can you prepare your heart for Jesus this week? Maybe by saying a kind word, helping a friend, or talking to God in prayer. Let’s make our hearts a smooth and welcoming place for Him!