Sunday December 6, 2026
Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
- First Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11: Summary: God promises comfort and forgiveness to Jerusalem, declaring an end to her trials. A path is made for the Lord’s glory, as He comes with power and tenderness, like a caring shepherd.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: I listen for God’s words, for He promises peace to His people and salvation to the reverent. In our land, kindness and truth, justice and peace, shall unite under His blessings.
- Second Reading – 2 Peter 3:8-14: God’s time differs from ours; He’s patient, desiring all to repent. The Day of the Lord will bring transformation, urging us to live in holiness, awaiting a new righteous world.
- Gospel – Mark 1:1-8: Isaiah prophesied a messenger, John the Baptist, who emerged in the wilderness calling for repentance and baptism for sin forgiveness. He foretold of one greater than himself, unworthy even to untie His sandals, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, not just water.
People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.
Mark 1:5
Themes for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B tell us of John the Baptist and his call to repentance. The first reading foretells the coming of John the Baptist. The psalm reminds us that the Lord is kind and just. The second reading encourages us to grow in holiness. And in the gospel, John the Baptist is baptizing people in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.
- Fulfillment of Prophecy: The passage begins by referencing the prophets Isaiah and Malachi, indicating that John the Baptist’s ministry is a fulfillment of prophecy. This theme underscores the continuity of God’s plan as revealed through the prophets.
- Preparation for the Messiah: John’s role as a forerunner for Christ highlights the theme of preparation for the coming of the Messiah. His preaching and baptizing in the wilderness were meant to prepare the hearts and minds of the people for Jesus.
- Humility of John the Baptist: John’s declaration that he is not worthy to untie the sandals of the one coming after him illustrates his humility. It sets an example for the proper attitude of a servant of God, acknowledging one’s own unworthiness in comparison to Christ.
- Baptism as a Symbol of Repentance: The act of baptism in the Jordan River by John symbolizes purification and repentance. This ritual act points to the inner transformation that is required for a renewed relationship with God.
- Anticipation of the Holy Spirit: John distinguishes his baptism with water from the coming baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus. This theme introduces the Holy Spirit’s significant role in Christian life and points to the deeper, transformative work that Jesus will accomplish.
- Transition from Old to New Covenant: John’s ministry marks the transition from the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament to the new era inaugurated by Jesus. This theme reflects the shift from the law and prophets to the grace and truth brought by Christ.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B.
Resources for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
Sunday December 6, 2026
Cry Out Lesson Plan
On the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, the focus often shifts to St. John the Baptist, especially through Mark 1:1-8. This Cry Out lesson plan will help youth understand who this prophet was and the role he played in making the way for Jesus. It aims to help youth understand who this prophet was and the significance of his mission. Despite sometimes being perceived as a wild figure with his long hair and unconventional lifestyle in the desert, St. John the Baptist was indeed a real person with a divine purpose. He was chosen by God to cry out in the wilderness, boldly proclaiming the coming of the Lord and urging everyone to be ready for the Good News
Washed Away Prayer Service
This prayer service emphasizes the act of confession and forgiveness, aligning with Advent’s focus on preparation and reflection. Participants are encouraged to write a sin they wish to be forgiven for on their hands with washable markers, symbolizing the washing away of sins. This act is a tangible reminder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and aligns with the Advent message of renewal and readiness for Christ’s coming. The service, which can be complemented by the Sacrament of Reconciliation, fosters a sense of spiritual cleansing, resonating with the introspective and preparatory nature of the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B.
Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)
The sacrament of reconciliation embodies the Advent spirit of preparation, reflection, and renewal. It is not just as a momentous event but as a continuous process, akin to a regular checkup, where one acknowledges their flaws and seeks guidance. This perspective aligns with the Advent message of preparing the way for Christ by introspection and spiritual renewal, resonating with the themes of Mark 1:1-8 for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, where John the Baptist calls for repentance in preparation for Jesus’ coming.
Litany of St. John the Baptist
In this litany, we ask this saint by his many titles and roles to pray for us so we can be more like him. These titles underscore his essential role in preparing for Jesus’ arrival, resonating with the Advent focus on preparation and reflection. The repeated petitions for St. John’s intercession to help us emulate his qualities—such as his call for repentance and his recognition of Jesus as the Lamb of God—echo the themes for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B of renewal and readiness for Christ’s coming.
What Are You Waiting For?
This discussion and set of reflection questions directly ties to the themes of the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, particularly through its focus on John the Baptist’s message in Mark 1:1-8. This highlights John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus, emphasizing the theme of waiting and preparation that is central to Advent. John’s call for repentance and his humility in acknowledging the coming of someone greater than himself, Jesus Christ, are integral to understanding the Advent season. The lesson plan encourages reflection on these themes, asking participants to consider their own readiness for Jesus’ coming and to engage in acts of preparation and conversion, much like John the Baptist did in his time.
Baptism Word Search Puzzle
On the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, the Gospel reading typically is Mark 1:1-8, which describes John the Baptist baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. This focus on baptism aligns with the themes of cleansing, preparation, and the anticipation of Jesus’ ministry. This word search puzzle themed around baptism serves as an engaging and educational tool to help participants, especially younger ones, explore the vocabulary and concepts related to this sacrament. This activity enhances understanding of John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus, highlighting the importance of baptism as a symbol of spiritual renewal and readiness, which are key themes of the Advent season.
The Book of Isaiah
The Book of Isaiah, with its profound themes of comfort, redemption, and the promise of a just and peaceful kingdom, aligns closely with the readings of the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B. This Sunday reflects on God’s promises, as seen in Isaiah, of delivering His people and establishing a world marked by justice and peace. Isaiah’s vision of a path being made for the Lord’s glory, where the weak are cared for with compassion, mirrors the Advent call to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. These themes remind us of the enduring hope and transformative power of God’s word, central to the season of Advent.
Prayer to the God of Peace and Justice
The prayer based on Psalm 85 on peace and justice beautifully aligns with the themes of the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B. The responsorial psalm resonates with this message, calling for peace and the unity of kindness, truth, justice, and peace under God’s blessings. The second reading and Gospel further this theme, emphasizing repentance, patience in God’s timing, and the transformation that comes with the coming of the Lord. In essence, Psalm 85’s prayer for peace and justice encapsulates the Advent message of hopeful preparation for a world renewed by God’s love and justice.
Resources and Reflections for the Gospel of Mark
The gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B is Mark 1:1-8. Mark’s Gospel begins with John the Baptist’s call for repentance and the anticipation of one greater than him. This mirrors the Advent theme of preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus. Mark’s focus on the immediacy of Jesus’ message and his transformative power encourages us to reflect on how we are called to change and grow in this season, aligning our lives more closely with the teachings and example of Christ.
Advent Ideas
Put Up the Tree and Do a Christmas Tree Blessing
A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas
Put Up the Tree and Do a Christmas Tree Blessing
This blessing is a way to refocus attention on Jesus during the busy holiday season, especially as Christmas approaches. It involves a prayer that acknowledges Jesus’ birth and the eternal life he brings, asking for blessings upon the Christmas tree as a symbol of Jesus’ birth and the gifts of God. This practice aligns with the themes of Advent, which focuses on preparation, reflection, and anticipation of the coming of Christ, as exemplified by John the Baptist’s message in Mark 1:1-8 for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B. The Christmas tree, adorned and blessed, becomes a visual and spiritual reminder of the reason for the season, echoing the Advent call to prepare and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Wreath Prayer Service
The wreath, with its circular shape, represents the eternal nature of God, as echoed in John 1:1-3. This symbolism is deeply reflective of the Advent season’s focus on the everlasting nature of Christ’s presence and the anticipation of His birth. The evergreen in the wreath, symbolizing strength and everlasting life, resonates with the messages of strength and hope that are central to Advent. The use of this wreath in a prayer service during Advent serves as a visual and spiritual reminder of the preparation for and celebration of Jesus Christ’s coming, aligning with the readings and themes of the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B.
Celebrating a Merry Catholic Christmas: A Guide to the Customs and Feast Days of Advent and Christmas
Not only does this resource delve into the historical roots of traditions like the Advent wreath and Christmas tree, but it also offers spiritual reflections and practical suggestions for enhancing family celebrations during these meaningful seasons. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the major Feast Days of Advent and Christmas, making it a treasure trove for families seeking to deepen their understanding and experience of these important times. Very fitting for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B. (Sponsored)
More Advent Ideas
The 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B continues this sacred time of spiritual preparation, reflection, and anticipation in the Christian faith. It’s a period that calls for a focus on the true meaning of Christmas, encouraging believers to prepare for the coming of Christ both in memory of His birth and in anticipation of His return. Explore resources which bring hope and expectation, and also emphasize the importance of being spiritually ready for Christ’s second coming.
Homilies and Reflections for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
Sunday December 6, 2026
Preparing for Advent: Baptism, Confession, and Confirmation (Jeff Cavins)
Advent: More Than a Chocolate Calendar (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Clear a Path (Bishop Robert Barron)
Straighten the Path (Scott Hahn)
Eden, The Mountain, and The One Who Baptizes with Fire (Bishop Robert Barron)
Clear a Path
Bishop Robert Barron’s homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B draws from Isaiah and the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing the theme of preparing for God’s arrival. He likens Advent to clearing a path for God, rather than climbing a spiritual mountain. Barron references St. John of the Cross, discussing the need to detach from worldly attachments and clear the ground for God’s grace. This process involves filling in valleys of indifference to God and the needy, and leveling mountains of material attachment. The aim is to facilitate God’s entry into our lives, making our hearts a new Bethlehem.
Straighten the Path
Scott Hahn’s reflection on the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B focuses on the theme of God’s impending arrival and humanity’s end of exile from God due to sin. He connects the readings from Isaiah, 2 Peter, and Mark to show God’s plan for salvation through Jesus, who bridges the gap between humanity and God. Hahn emphasizes personal responsibility in responding to this divine initiative, urging repentance and a life directed towards God. He invites individuals to see the Eucharist as a continuation of this salvation history, where God comes near, and to recommit to holiness and devotion in anticipation of Jesus’ revelation.
Eden, The Mountain, and The One Who Baptizes with Fire
Bishop Robert Barron, in his homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, discusses Isaiah’s prophecy, envisioning a world in right alignment with God, and John the Baptist’s role in preparing for Jesus. Barron emphasizes the need to clear spiritual distractions and attachments, echoing the desert’s symbolic simplicity, to hear God’s voice. He calls for a change in attitude, urging a shift from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, and highlights the transformative power of Christ’s arrival, which purifies and renews.
More Thoughts for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
A Journey of Patience and Purity
The second letter of Peter, chapter 3, verses 8-14, serves as a profound reminder for the faithful during the season of Advent, especially on the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B. Peter emphasizes the timeless nature of God, contrasting it with human perceptions of time, reminding us that “with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.”
This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of our waiting during Advent. Often, we are impatient in our waiting, expecting quick answers and immediate gratifications. However, Peter’s words encourage us to adopt a divine perspective on time, one that values patient, steadfast waiting. This patience is not passive but active; it’s a time of preparation and growth, mirroring the long wait of humanity for the Messiah.
Peter also speaks of the day of the Lord as coming like a thief, unexpected and unannounced. This imagery is particularly striking during Advent, a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth and his eventual second coming. The unexpectedness of the Lord’s coming serves as a call to constant readiness and spiritual vigilance. It challenges us to live each day in anticipation of God’s kingdom, aligning our actions and choices with the Gospel.
This period of waiting is not just about looking forward, but also about examining our present – how we live, act, and interact with others. It’s a reminder that every moment is an opportunity to embody the values of the kingdom, to be “found by him at peace, without spot or blemish,” as Peter exhorts. It is a call to personal and communal purification, a recommitment to our baptismal promises. On this 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, let us embrace this call to purity and peace, preparing ourselves to celebrate the coming of Christ with hearts renewed and lives transformed by His grace.
Pathways to Transformation
In Isaiah’s prophecy in the first reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, the people of Judah, exiled and longing for their homeland, are given a promise of return. This return is not just a physical journey but a spiritual realignment with God. The path back to their homeland symbolizes a return to a life in harmony with God’s will, a theme that resonates deeply in our Advent journey.
Similarly, in the Gospel, St. John the Baptist uses language that echoes Isaiah’s prophecy. He speaks not only to his contemporaries but to us across the ages. Our exile is not physical but spiritual, caused by our sins. John’s message is clear: repentance is the road back from this exile. As John prepares the way for Jesus, he invites us to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah.
Isaiah’s vision of a transformed world and John’s call for repentance underscore the need for personal and communal change. The coming of Jesus signifies a profound shift in how we relate to God and one another. This transformation requires a deep introspection to identify what needs change in our lives. However, pride often blinds us to our shortcomings, creating a barrier to true repentance and growth.
Embracing Humility and Repentance
John the Baptist exemplifies humility, a virtue essential for Advent preparation. He acknowledges his role as merely the forerunner to someone greater – Jesus. John’s humility in recognizing his place in God’s plan is a powerful model for us. In our parish communities and personal lives, embracing humility like John’s allows us to make room for others to lead and for God’s work to be done through them.
Our Advent journey, then, is marked by a dual movement: inward, to confront and repent of our sins, and outward, to embrace humility and allow God to work through us and others. As we reflect on the messages of Isaiah and John the Baptist for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, we’re invited to smooth the path for Christ’s coming into our hearts and communities, transforming our lives in anticipation of His arrival. This preparation is not just an Advent exercise but a continual call to live in alignment with the divine will, guided by Jesus, our shepherd, who leads us out of the exile of sin into the embrace of God’s love.
Reflection Questions for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
- How do you typically view time in your spiritual life, and how might embracing God’s perspective on time, as described by Peter, change your approach to waiting and preparation during Advent?
- In what ways can you practice ‘active patience’ during Advent, using this time not just to wait but to grow and prepare spiritually?
- Considering Peter’s depiction of the Lord’s coming as sudden and unexpected, how can you cultivate a state of constant spiritual readiness and vigilance in your daily life?
- Reflect on your current life choices and actions. How do they align with the Gospel’s call, and what changes might you need to make to be “found by him at peace, without spot or blemish”?
- In what ways do you feel spiritually exiled, and how can the message of Isaiah and John the Baptist guide you back to a life in harmony with God’s will?
- How does the concept of repentance manifest in your life, and what steps can you take this Advent to deepen your understanding and practice of it?
- Reflect on John the Baptist’s humility. How can you incorporate this virtue into your own life, especially in your interactions within your parish community and personal relationships?
- As you prepare for Christ’s coming, what areas of your life require transformation, and how can you actively work towards this change during Advent and beyond?
- How can you ensure that your journey of transformation and alignment with God’s will extends beyond the Advent season into your everyday life?
- In what ways do you experience Jesus as a shepherd in your life, leading you out of the ‘exile’ of sin and towards God’s love?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
Music Suggestions for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
Sunday December 6, 2026
- A Voice Cries Out
- Blessed Be the God of Israel
- Come as You Are
- Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Comfort, Comfort O My People
- Find Us Ready
- For the Healing of the Nations
- Lord, Let Us See Your Kindness
- O Come, Divine Messiah
- O Comfort My People
- On Jordan’s Bank
- Peace Child
- People, Look East
- Prepare the Way
- Prepare the Way (Clear the Road)
- Soon and Very Soon
- The King Shall come when Morning Dawns
- There Is a Longing
- Wait for the Lord
- Waiting Here for You
- You’ll Come
Frequently Asked Questions for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
What date is the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
The next date is Sunday December 6, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
2nd Sunday of Advent Year A
2nd Sunday of Advent Year C
What are the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
The Mass readings for Sunday December 6, 2026 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11: God’s Comfort to Jerusalem
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: God’s Peace and Salvation
Second Reading – 2 Peter 3:8-14: Patience and Promise
Gospel – Mark 1:1-8: John Announces the Messiah
What is the message of comfort and forgiveness in the first reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
Isaiah 40 conveys God’s promise of comfort and forgiveness to Jerusalem, marking an end to her period of suffering and trials. It signifies a time of restoration and divine favor, where God’s glory will be revealed, and He will care for His people like a shepherd.
How does the image of God as a shepherd in the first reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B relate to His character?
The shepherd imagery in Isaiah 40 portrays God as caring, protective, and nurturing. It highlights His gentle and compassionate nature, providing for and guiding His people, which is a central aspect of His character.
What does the responsorial psalm for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B say about God’s relationship with His people?
Psalm 85 speaks of a relationship where God offers peace and salvation to His reverent people. It reflects a bond characterized by mutual respect, with God bestowing kindness, truth, justice, and peace upon the land.
How do kindness and truth, justice and peace unite under God’s blessings in the responsorial psalm for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
In Psalm 85, kindness and truth, justice and peace are seen as qualities that flourish together under God’s rule. They are interconnected aspects of a society aligned with God’s will, where His blessings enable a harmonious and righteous coexistence.
What does the second reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B tell us about God’s perception of time and patience?
2 Peter 3:8-14 teaches that God’s concept of time is different from ours, and He is patient, desiring everyone to come to repentance. It underscores God’s enduring patience and His wish for all to be saved, contrasting with human impatience.
How does the Day of the Lord in the second reading for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B prompt us to live in holiness?
The Day of the Lord, a time of transformation and judgment, urges believers to live in holiness and godliness. 2 Peter 3:8-14 serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that reflects God’s character, in anticipation of a new, righteous world.
What is the significance of John the Baptist’s role in the gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
In Mark 1:1-8, John the Baptist fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy as the messenger preparing the way for Christ. His role in calling for repentance and offering baptism for the forgiveness of sins sets the stage for Jesus’ ministry, highlighting the need for spiritual preparation.
How does John the Baptist’s message of repentance relate to the themes in the other readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
John’s call for repentance ties in with the themes of comfort, forgiveness, and God’s patient desire for salvation in the other readings. It underscores the need for personal transformation as part of preparing for God’s coming.
Why does John emphasize his unworthiness compared to the one coming after him in the gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
In Mark 1:1-8, John’s emphasis on his unworthiness highlights the greatness of Jesus, the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. It demonstrates John’s humility and sets a clear distinction between his role as a forerunner and the transformative power of Jesus’ ministry.
What do these readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B collectively tell us about preparing for God’s kingdom?
Collectively, these readings emphasize the importance of spiritual preparation for God’s kingdom. They call for repentance, living in holiness, and embracing God’s peace and justice, as we anticipate the coming of Christ and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
What common themes are present in these readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
Common themes include preparation for God’s coming, the transformation of hardship into comfort and salvation, and the shift from repentance to spiritual renewal. Both readings emphasize God’s active role in redeeming and renewing His people.
What reflections or homily ideas can be drawn from these readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B?
A reflection or homily might focus on the theme of preparing our hearts for God’s presence, the journey from repentance to spiritual renewal, and the importance of recognizing and responding to God’s work in our lives, as exemplified by John the Baptist and the prophecy of Isaiah.
How can we apply the messages of these readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B in our daily lives?
We can apply these messages by actively preparing our hearts for God’s presence, being open to spiritual transformation, and embodying the spirit of repentance and renewal in our actions and attitudes. Emulating John the Baptist’s humility and commitment to a life focused on God’s purposes can guide our daily decisions and interactions.
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