In the desert, prepare the way of the Lord! – Isaiah 40:3 & Mark 1:3
Christmas is coming, and it’s time to prepare! It’s time for planning gifts, special food, decorations…the list goes on. It’s also time to prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. Repentance, or turning away from old behaviors that do not glorify God or serve us, is a key way to focus on preparing our hearts during Advent. We can vow to change our sinful habits in order to make way for new life in Christ.
Receiving the sacraments gives us sanctifying grace and can aid us in repentance and in keeping our vows. In baptism, we are cleansed by the water of life and were reborn “a new creation in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17). In reconciliation, we turn back to the Lord and we acknowledge our sins (cf Mark 1:5). Our sins are forgiven and absolved—we are set free! God doesn’t even remember our sins after they have been absolved: “For I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12). How wonderful and freeing is that? We are restored again in the imago Dei, the image of God.
In the Eucharist, our venial sins are taken away and we are strengthened in Christ’s virtues. This Food does not become like us, as other food. No, we eat the Bread of Life and this Food changes us. We become like Christ. St. Augustine preached this on the Eucharist: “Behold the mystery of your salvation laid out for you; behold what you are, become what you receive.”
Here’s a simple three-step plan for preparing your heart for Christmas: 1) Pray and ask God to show you what might be blocking his “way” in your heart. 2) Make a plan to receive the sacrament of reconciliation and repent from whatever God shares with you. 3) Receive the Eucharist with thanksgiving in your heart for God’s loving mercy.
Lord Jesus, help me to acknowledge my sins and be conformed to Your image. Prepare my heart for Your coming!