Here is your God!"

Today's Mass Readings

The first readings during this Advent season will often deal with preparation for Jesus’ arrival, both now and at the world’s end. Today’s first reading is especially appropriate because it looks forward to the Messiah’s initial arrival. This reading, from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, tells of a voice crying out, an individual preparing the way for the Lord. We know from the New Testament that this individual, this voice, is John the Baptist. John the Baptist is the forerunner of the Messiah, of Jesus the Christ. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry through preaching about the kingdom of God, repentance and baptism. This reading from Isaiah is particularly appropriate for us in this season of Advent, because we too await the Lord, but not for His adult ministry to begin, but rather for His liturgical birth. Jesus was born over two thousand years ago, and yet we celebrate that birth liturgically every Christmas. Advent is a time where we anticipate that special celebration, where God came to us as a human in Jesus. But Advent also reminds us to prepare a way for the Lord in our own lives. Advent is not simply an anticipation of Christmas it is also an invitation to set our lives in order, to allow God to come into our lives in ever new ways.

Let us set aside special time during this season to spend time with the Lord. Advent is a wonderful opportunity for growth in our relationship with God. Let’s really work this Advent at making room for God so that we are ready to great Christ in a special way at Christmas.

Jeff Morrow