When we are expecting special visitors, we do our best to prepare our house. We clean and organize things. We throw away things we do not need anymore to avoid clutter. We put things in order. And once those basic things are finished, we polish the new and improved place.
This is also what we should do as we prepare for Christmas.
The first reading (which the gospel quotes) shows Isaiah reminding us to prepare the way for God.
A voice cries out:
In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!
Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill shall be made low;
the rugged land shall be made a plain,
the rough country, a broad valley.
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together;
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
In the gospel, we see John was the one Isaiah was referring to.
John the Baptist appeared in the desert
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins
In the same way that John prepared the way for Jesus, we too are called to do our part and prepare the way for Jesus to enter our lives and our hearts.
Most people have already started (while others are finished) with their Christmas shopping. We start exploring what gifts to buy special people in our lives. Some have also sorted their things for donation or disposal. People have begun budgeting their finances to prepare for Christmas shopping. Some are starting to plan and organize Christmas gatherings. These things keep us busy. And it is good to note that this early, we should not forget the reason for all these things. The reason for the season. We may be lost in the busyness of Christmas things that we forget what Christmas is about.
In the same way we prepare for things, we too should prepare our hearts for Jesus. We should try to attend mass more. Go to confession and receive the Eucharist to prepare our hearts. Forgive others who may have hurt us, and start forgiving those who caused us pain. Start giving more to others, with all the avenues available to help out the less fortunate. Spend more time with those who have problems and are lost. These are some things we can also start doing to remind us of the real reason for Christmas.
May we be reminded to prepare the way for Jesus to enter our lives and our hearts.
Father God,
Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to rest and spend more time with you. Lord, help me prepare my heart for you. Help me to be focused and not be lost in the busyness this season brings. May I never forget to prepare my heart to receive you as well. Amen.
Blessed Sunday!
In Christ,
-g
Ps
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