During the Advent season, we take a fearless, moral inventory of ourselves and of how we relate to those around us. To truly prepare, consider specific practices like prayer, reflection, or confession that help us remove the lent of indifference, the dust of bad decisions, and the dirt of grudges and regret. These actions can help us love God with our whole hearts and minds more fully.

     We choose to let our failings go because holding onto them weighs us down. It is like having a mega-ton anchor tied to our backs. No matter how hard we try to move, we find ourselves stuck. Resentments torment us and hold us captive. How can we make a difference in the world when we still hold on to things that hurt us in our past?

     As we prepare for the coming of the Christ child, let us be fearless in our preparation. When we sing the songs of the season, let us find hope with each word that comes from our mouths. Consider incorporating specific spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading, or acts of service that help us embrace hope and deepen our faith during this season of anticipation.

     I pray for the cleaning of our spiritual houses and the realization that we are God’s children. May our hearts feel relief from the heaviness that a hard season or rough journey may bring. Let us draw nearer to God’s love, allowing the darkness of the soul to find light in a time when we need to embrace the holiness of Christ. Let fear find its presence in another place, and may we feel confident in the knowledge that love came down for us.

     Hear the good news of this Advent time. Preparing for the birth of the Messiah should be a time of spiritual discipline. Let us spend time in conversation with God, and as we clean, let us remember to listen to the still, small voice of the one who delivers us. May this season be holy, joyful, and fearlessly truthful, so that we feel a deep sense of peace and connection in God’s presence.