The Reconciliation of Creation (The Second Sunday of Advent)

By Karyn Bigelow

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
​Luke 3:5-6

Advent is a season to look toward the birth of Christ. The second Sunday of Advent is about preparing for the coming of Christ and asking for God’s healing. The arrival of Christ on Earth was a moment where creation gave witness to the hope of incarnation. In this season of preparation and waiting, we can pray for the healing of God’s creation--healing for all living things and healing in our relationships.

Christ’s arrival was the beginning of the path for us to be reconciled with God. Now more than ever we need to be healed and reconciled with the rest of creation. As we wait for Christ's ultimate return, we pray and act for the right relationship with each other and all living creatures. The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns put it best, “We are reminded [during Advent] that God’s reign of peace will involve all creation, a reign of right relationship between all created things. This means our preparation for his coming must involve repentance for the ways in which we have sinned against God, our neighbors, and against creation itself.” 
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This second week of Advent, we invite you to pray for creation and join in the work of reconciling as we and the rest of creation wait on Christ. 

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Karyn Bigelow is co-Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries.