Christmas seems to always catch me by surprise. In theory, you know it comes at the end of every year. And yet December 25th always seems to sneak up! How could this massive celebration possibly sneak up on you when you have an entire liturgical season to prepare?

We sing that December is the most wonderful time of the year, and yet in reality, it is the busiest time of the year for many people. December, if we use our time only as a countdown to the big day, becomes a month of shopping, budgeting, wrapping, cooking, decorating, hosting, and socializing. Not always merry and bright. However, we could use our time in a more meaningful way.

Advent is not meant to be the season of weariness. It is not meant to be a period where our hearts become, like our Gospel says, “drowsy from… the anxieties of daily life.” It’s actually quite the opposite: instead of drowsy from daily life, we should be rejoicing because of the miracle that we will celebrate soon!

As we begin Advent today, let us choose to live this season truly invested in our spiritual preparation. Not only preparing the presents and the festivities, but more importantly, preparing our hearts for Him.

How can you slow down this Advent to prepare your heart for Christ’s birth?

Holy Spirit, show us how to live this Advent to the fullest. Guide us to use our time in ways that glorify Him. Amen.