As we approach week 2 of Advent, below are the next 7 characteristics. If you’re lighting an advent wreath, you lit one purple candle last week. Purple signifies expectation and hope. It calls attention to the fact that God is our Hope, Redeemer, and Savior.

This week, we’ll light the original purple candle, plus one more purple candle. The second candle signifies preparation and peace. We are to prepare our hearts to accept the grace and peace of God through Jesus Christ.

Remember that we can’t experience the peace of God until we’ve accepted the grace of God. Grace is a gift to us and we are unworthy to receive it. You, me, the person next to you—we all have a shameful and sinful past, “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved!” (Ephesians 2:4-5) Amen!