Prepare the Way of the Lord

People spend more time preparing for Christmas than for any other feast or holiday. During the weeks before Christmas, our present-day culture pressures us to shop, clean, decorate, entertain, and be entertained. Our Church, on the other hand, invites us to wait, reflect, pray, do penance, help people in need, and be joyful. Our challenge is to balance these two approaches.

The Church's advent liturgies help us prepare to celebrate Christ's coming. At the beginning of Advent, the Scripture readings invite us to open our hearts, to be renewed in spirit, and to find ways of becoming more holy and pleasing to God. We are asked to wait vigilantly and quietly for Christ, who comes to us in unexpected ways each day and will come again in glory at the end of the world.

As Advent continues, we hear in the readings the voices of Isaiah and John the Baptizer telling us to prepare for the Lord's coming by repenting and making straight our paths. We are reminded that Jesus came for the poor, the sick, and the outcasts of society, and we remember that we are asked to reach out to others and to work for peace and justice. During the last week of Advent, the Church presents Mary as a model of faith. Mary said yes to God's invitation to be the mother of his Son. She waited, wondered, and welcomed the love God had shown her. Mary trusted in God completely. We learn from Mary that God’s grace is always with us, strengthening and guiding us. God sends the Messiah to stand by our side. The Messiah is Emmanuel, "God with us."

Family Activity

It’s the time of year to hear, "Only __ shopping days left until Christmas." This panic inducing refrain can get stuck in our heads as it calls us to hurry, be busy. Make a special family effort during the Sundays of Advent to come together, slow down, and be unbusy. Spend some quiet, calm time together listening to relaxing music; maybe even attempt to briefly meditate together. Reflect on the guidance of Isaiah 40: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." Relax, clear the pathways to your hearts of clutter and distraction. Focus on the coming Savior – Emmanuel – God with us.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturg