Second Week of Advent: Peace in the Journey

by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications & Marketing

As we enter the second week of Advent and light the Bethlehem Candle, we remember the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem—a journey filled with uncertainty, trust, and faith. This candle represents peace, and we reflect on the gift of Christ, the Prince of Peace, who came to bring hope to all. Today, let us turn our hearts toward those who walk alongside women and families facing unplanned pregnancies, serving as beacons of peace and support when it is most needed.

In Isaiah 40:3-5, we read: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” In a very real way, those who work in pregnancy help centers and maternity homes live out this calling. With compassion, they create a path through uncertainty, helping women navigate rough ground and level the mountains of fear that often accompany an unexpected pregnancy. They prepare the way by offering encouragement, resources, and, most importantly, the peace of Christ through loving support.

Like Mary and Joseph, who faced countless unknowns on their journey, each woman who walks into a pregnancy center brings her own unique story, fears, and hopes. The client advocates stand beside them, ready to listen, understand, and walk alongside them, much like Joseph did for Mary. They provide a steady presence, not only helping women make practical choices but also extending peace that comes from knowing they are not alone.

These dedicated individuals do not have all the answers, nor can they erase every difficulty, but their unwavering support and empathy remind women of their inherent dignity and worth. In this way, they are bearers of peace, inviting each person they encounter to lay down her fears and trust in a brighter tomorrow.

Pregnancy help organizations become sanctuaries of peace, where women and families can find relief from worry and gain clarity amidst the unknown. The staff and volunteers bring God’s peace into each interaction, each consultation, and each prayer.

They serve as reminders that God’s love is near and that, no matter the circumstance, hope is possible.

As we light the Bethlehem Candle this Advent, let us remember these modern-day shepherds who walk with courage, offering peace to those who seek it. They are a reflection of God’s faithfulness, and their work is a testament to the power of love and compassion in times of need. They prepare the way for new life—not just in physical birth but in the hope and healing that only Christ’s peace can bring.

Let us pray that these dedicated individuals find strength in their work and that every woman and family who enters a pregnancy help center might feel the presence of Christ through them. This season, may we all be inspired by their example to prepare the way for peace in our own lives and for those around us.

by Andrea Trudden, Vice President of Communications & Marketing

In this second week of Advent, as we light the Bethlehem Candle, we remember Mary and Joseph's journey. This couple, uncertain yet obedient, traveled with hearts full of trust in God's promise, seeking peace amidst a time of chaos and vulnerability. For those of you working in pregnancy help, this journey mirrors the ones taken by women who come through your doors—mothers with hearts brimming with questions, and in many cases, anxieties about the future.

You are, in many ways, walking alongside them on their own path to Bethlehem.

The Bethlehem Candle reminds us of peace, a peace that comes not from understanding every step but from placing our trust in God’s unwavering love and promises. Just as Mary and Joseph knew only the next step but not the full picture, the women you serve may only see one step ahead. And here you are, offering steadying hands and gentle guidance as they continue forward.

In Isaiah 40:3-5, we read, “Prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” In pregnancy centers, you embody this calling, becoming “a voice in the wilderness” for those feeling lost or overwhelmed by unexpected circumstances. Each moment spent with a woman, each whisper of encouragement, each gentle assurance is a way of leveling the rough ground, clearing the valleys of uncertainty, and lighting a pathway for the peace of Christ to enter her life. Your presence and your work make the path smoother, allowing her to see the hope and possibilities ahead.

Pregnancy help organizations are not just places of guidance—they are sanctuaries of peace, places where women can lay down their fears and anxieties. As we reflect on Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, let us remember that she carried within her the Prince of Peace. In your role, you too carry that peace into each conversation, each counseling session, and each prayer. This week, let the Bethlehem Candle remind you that in every interaction, you bring forth a reflection of God’s promise of peace, and like Mary, you become a vessel of hope and comfort.

Peace as a Promise of God’s Presence

Advent is a time of preparation, and peace is a promise that God’s presence is near. This week, may you find renewed strength and joy in knowing that you, like Mary and Joseph, are part of a sacred journey. By helping those who enter your centers, you become a reminder of God’s faithfulness and peace. So let us pray together that every woman and family who walks through your doors might feel the love of Christ, who entered our world as a tiny baby but who came to bring a peace that transcends all understanding.

Let the Bethlehem Candle remind you this week: You are the hands and feet of Jesus, offering peace to those who need it most, reflecting the light of Christ, and preparing the way for His love in the lives of others.