Preparing for the Prince of Peace

Think about the moments where you have been the most at rest and filled with peace.  Think about the environment that you’re in during these times.  Think of the sounds that you hear, or maybe don’t hear, around you.  What do you see?  Bring yourself to this place right now.  Maybe you’re in a chapel, in adoration, sitting in your big comfy chair at home, in the mountains, or by flowing water.  Have you made time and room for these restful and peaceful places recently?  Have you made time and room for Jesus?  As we journey through this last half of Advent, we must be working on opening our hearts and lives to Jesus, who is peace Himself.

The world does not want you to be quiet and calm right now.  According to the world’s standards, if you’re not busy, stressed, and rushing around to get ready for the “perfect” Christmas, you’re not doing it right.  There are parties to attend, gifts to buy, food to prepare, and decorations to hang, all which are good things when we don’t allow them to make us lose our focus.

During this remaining time of Advent, we should be emptying ourselves of our distractions, selfish desires, and anything that is taking up space meant for Christ.  We must be slowing down and listening in a world that seems to be always moving faster.  To really stop and listen is a spiritual exercise that requires a great deal of discipline.  It will not simply happen on its own.  We have to be committed and enter into those places and spaces of prayer and silence.  It also takes patience- to wait, listen, and watch.

Advent is a time of waiting, listening, and anticipation.  By the time Christmas arrives, we should not feel burned out and ready for the holiday to be over.  We should be prepared and renewed in our faith, ready to allow Jesus to come into our hearts more fully, so that we can love Him and others more deeply.  We should be filled with the hope, love, joy, and peace that only He can offer.
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Jesus, thank you for giving us this season of preparation .  Help us to seek out the quiet and peaceful places so that we can listen better and become more like You.  Lead us away from the temptations to be sucked into the noise and chaos.  May we use this time to prepare to welcome you into our hearts with humility and joy.