By Anni Harry

“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ~ Luke 3:4-6

Preparations are underway for an amazing Christmas season. Final gifts are being purchased. Presents are being wrapped and stashed to not clue in unsuspecting recipients. Treats for our neighbors are being baked with cheer, well-wishes, prayers, and love. Children and teachers alike eagerly look forward to school being on break for a few weeks. Christmas outfits for pictures on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day are having finishing touches put together. Everything is falling into place.

Or is it?

Today’s Gospel reading from Luke is a very heavy reminder that not only do we have worldly concerns to contend with, but we also have the spiritual side of our nature that must be nurtured during this season of joyful anticipation.

Sitting with God

Luke’s predominantly Gentile audience, to whom he wrote, invites his readers to recognize God’s love was for everyone. When we read the first part of today’s Gospel, many people overlook the account of the reign and the leadership since those names don’t mean much to us in 2024. However, those names and the location of John’s ministry are important because they set the reminder that there are needs of this world that will weigh in on us from all sides. We have obligations to not just the spiritual needs but also the physical, immediate, “here and now” in our lives. Much like the preparations we make today for Christmas, so did the early church, which had preparations for their own days and times.

Yet, the Gospel also reminds us of the importance of our focus. Are we always focusing on the needs of our families? Are our needs true “needs,” or are they “desires”?

In this joyful Advent season, we are invited to sit with the God of Love and the God of Creation in designated moments and prepare our hearts as much as we make physical preparations in the world around us.

We are given a promise today that each of us shall see the salvation of our God. Made in His image and likeness, He desires nothing more than to have a relationship with us.

Preparing the Way of the Lord

Each of us has individual gifts and talents that can be used to deepen our relationship and prepare our hearts for God. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Yet, the basic structure is similar for all of us: the root of the relationship is based on not just “speaking” to God but also “listening” and heeding His voice. To listen, we need to find time to sit quietly with Him.

As we approach the last weeks of Advent, lean into the strength of the sacraments: Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

Use them.

Listen for His voice.

Heed Him.

Let us prioritize some quiet moments and sit with Him daily to prepare not just for this season but also to prepare our hearts for the season of eternity.

How can you find some extra time in this season to invite Him to help prepare your heart?

Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for giving us this time to encounter Your love through the Gospel. Strengthen us as we focus our sight on You and the love You want to share with us and give us the grace we need to prepare our hearts to receive You in all Your glory and majesty. Amen. 

Call to Action

Set aside a minimum of five minutes every day this upcoming week where you sit and listen to God’s voice. Take note of how your encounter with God through focused, designated prayer helps you as you prepare for the immediate needs of your family.

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