"Prepare the way of the Lord!" This was the message of John the Baptist who appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance. He affirmed that "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." It is a Sunday when all the readings speak of waiting, preparation, repentance. Isaiah, in the first reading begins with these words of consolation: "Comfort , give comfort to my people, says your God. speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed she has received from the hand of the Lord double for all her sins. A voice cries our: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord!"
Peter warns us not to ignore this one fact:that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like on day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard 'delay', but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.." Peter also says that we must "be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace."
Advent is a time for some serious inner work. Let us take the time for this and not rush around concerned with exterior preparations and neglect the essential preparation of our hearts to receive Jesus this Christmas.
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