The Lord is Coming this Christmas

Letter from the Editor // 

Dear Sister, 

The Readings for Second Sunday of Advent remind us to prepare for the coming of Christ. We hear in the Gospel that Saint John the Baptist, the precursor to his cousin Jesus, is calling us all to ready ourselves for Christ’s coming through repentance. When Saint John the Baptist tells us to “Prepare the way of the Lord” (Luke 3:4), he is not talking about buying presents, baking cookies, or listening to Christmas music. He is talking about our hearts. Now is the time to heed the call to repentance and to make our hearts a fitter dwelling place for the Infant Jesus when He comes on Christmas morning. As in the words of the Responsorial Psalm, in Advent we “go forth weeping” and  “come back rejoicing” (Psalm 126:6).

The Lord is coming this Christmas—He is coming to transform us out of our sinful ways and to make us like Him. He tells us in the First Reading that He wants us to “Put on the splendor of glory from God forever” (Baruch 5:1). He wants us to become one with Him forever in Heaven. Let us open our hearts to the Word this Sunday, and ask the Lord to show us how He is calling each of us to prepare our hearts for His coming. And along with Saint Paul in today’s Second Reading, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it” (Philippians 1:6).

I am praying for you this week, dear sister.

In Christ’s Love,

Susanna

Read the Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent //

First Reading // Baruch 5:1-9

Psalm // Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading // Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

Gospel // Luke 3:1-6

Prayer Practice //

Take a few quiet moments to ask the Lord how He’s inviting you to prepare your heart for His coming.