The Diocese of Allentown marked this past Sunday, the second of Advent, in part with a post on social media.

In its Monday, Dec. 1 Facebook post, the Diocese shared the day's prayer and encouragement during the season of anticipation.

"On this Second Sunday of Advent, we pray: Mary, help us to open the doors of our hearts to Christ, Redeemer of man and of history," the Facebook post said. "Please teach us to be humble, because God looks upon the lowly."

The prayer continued by asking Mary, Mother of God, to help humanity understand and be more like her.

"Help us to grow in understanding the value of prayer, of inner silence, of listening to God's Word," the prayer continued. "Spur us to seek God’s will deeply and sincerely, even when this upsets our plans. Encourage us while we wait for the Lord, sharing our time and energies with those in need. Mother of God, Virgin of expectation, grant that the God-who-comes will find us ready to receive the abundance of his mercy. Mary Most Holy, 'Woman of the Eucharist' and Virgin of Advent, prepare us all to joyfully welcome Christ's coming and to celebrate worthily his sacramental presence in the mystery of the Eucharist. Amen."

"Advent" derives from the Latin word "adventus," which means "coming," according to a Loyola Press article. Today, Advent usually is thought of as a season in which to anticipate Christmas and remember the birth of Jesus but, originally, advent was a time when early Christians prepared to baptize new Christians at the Epiphany. The Advent season as a 40-day period of fasting and prayer for early Christians that became linked during the Middle Ages to Christ's birth at Christmas.

According to Christianity, Advent also is a season to anticipate the Magi's visit with baby Jesus, Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River and Jesus' first miracle during the wedding at Cana.

The Gospel reading for the second Sunday of Advent this year focused on John the Baptist, who helped people anticipate Christ's coming through baptism and repentance.  

The second candle on the Advent wreath is purple, like the first candle, and is called the "Bethlehem Candle," a reminder of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, as well as symbolizing faith, according to an article by Mercy Home.