Prepare Your Heart: Advent Day One 01/12/24

 

Welcome to Our Advent Journey

Welcome to the first day of our Advent journey together! As we begin this sacred season, I'm excited to explore with you today the profound meaning of preparing our hearts for Christ's coming.

Advent holds a special place in our Catholic faith—it's a time of joyful anticipation and spiritual renewal. From the Latin word "adventus," we await something extraordinary: the coming of Christ. This journey isn't just about counting down to Christmas; it's an invitation to deepen our relationship with God in a unique, fresh way.

"Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" (Mark 1:3).

These timeless words echo through the centuries with profound meaning for us today. Just as ancient peoples prepared royal highways for their kings by smoothing rough terrain and clearing obstacles, we too are called to prepare the way in our hearts. This preparation goes beyond external decorations and festivities—it's about creating a clear path for Christ to enter our lives more deeply.

This spiritual preparation takes many forms. We might need to smooth the rough patches in our relationships, clear away the obstacles of sin through confession, or level the mountains of pride that keep us from fully embracing God's will.

Just as we carefully prepare our homes for celebration—cleaning, decorating, and making space for guests—we're invited to prepare our interior lives with the same dedication.

As Saint Augustine expressed, "He who created us without our help will not save us without our consent." This truth illuminates the partnership God desires with us. While salvation is purely God's gift, we are active participants in this divine exchange, don't forget that! How fortunate are we?

Advent reminds us that spiritual growth isn't passive—it requires our willing participation, our conscious "yes" to God's transformative work in our lives. The season of Advent calls us to actively engage in this preparation, making deliberate choices that open our hearts to receive Christ more fully.

Understanding Our Starting Point

Advent weaves together two beautiful threads that deeply enrich our spiritual journey. First, we celebrate the historic moment of Christ's birth in Bethlehem - a humble beginning that changed the world forever. Second, we look forward with hope to His glorious return, when all of creation will be made new. In this sacred space, memory meets hope as we remember Christ's first coming while anticipating His return. Our cherished traditions blend seamlessly with personal renewal, creating a unique opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation.

Making It Real: Practical Steps

Take a moment to reflect on how God is calling you to prepare your heart this Advent season.

Here are some practical ways to begin

Create sacred space

Set up an Advent wreath with your family in a prominent gathering spot, such as the lounge or kitchen. Let the candles' light remind you of Christ's approaching birth as you discuss their meaning together.

Find quiet moments

Set aside time for prayer and reflection. My best advice is to set aside some time each morning and night. That might mean starting your day 15 minutes earlier for meditation or devoting after-dinner time to reading the Bible. The daily Mass readings can guide your reflections. There are plenty of apps/websites out there that you can follow along including but not limited to:

• Universalis home page
• Hallow - #1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep
• Ascension
• Y-Bible - YOUCAT

Clean house (spiritually)

Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Advent. Take thoughtful time to examine your conscience, perhaps with a guide. This sacrament offers both God's mercy and a fresh beginning. See:
Examination of Conscience — for teenagers – CERC
Examination of Conscience – Ascension

Serve

Serve your community. Connect with your parish about giving opportunities—beyond financial donations. The most precious thing you can give is your time. Visit neighbours in need or help at the local food bank. Bring friends and family along!

Stay focused

This daily Advent devotional journey will guide you. Reflect on what touches your heart through silent contemplation, journalling, or discussion with others. Remember that our faith is meant to be shared!

Today's Reflection

Let's take a moment to pause and reflect together. As we begin this Advent journey, I invite you to sit with these gentle questions:
When you think about "preparing your heart" this Advent, what stirs within you? What hopes, dreams, or perhaps concerns come to mind?
In the midst of your daily rhythms, where might you carve out small moments of stillness? Perhaps it's in the early morning quiet, or maybe during your evening wind-down?
Looking at your week ahead, how might you be Christ's hands and feet to someone in need? Remember, sometimes the smallest gestures carry the most profound impact.

Finding Your Own Path

The beauty of our faith is that it's both ancient and ever-new. Advent is a sacred time that invites us to pause and reflect on the dual nature of waiting—we remember Christ's first coming as a humble child in Bethlehem while anticipating His glorious return. It's a season that teaches us patience and hope, reminding us that the most precious gifts often come through careful preparation and anticipation. During these three and a half weeks, we're called to quiet our hearts, deepen our prayer life, and create space for God's transformative presence. This period of spiritual preparation helps us resist the cultural rush toward Christmas and instead embrace the gentle unfolding of God's plan in our lives.

Prayer

Our Father, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as we embark upon this sacred Advent journey, open our hearts to receive Your abundant grace. Grant us the wisdom to embrace holy silence and contemplation, preparing ourselves worthily for the Nativity of Your Divine Son. Through the prayers of all the saints, guide us in making this blessed season one of true spiritual renewal and deepening faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Your Personal Invitation

Remember, this Advent journey is yours to make. Whether you're new to these traditions or have celebrated them for years, there's always a fresh way to encounter Christ in this season of preparation.

Godbless,

Mel