We spend the season of Advent preparing. But preparing for what? 

 

We easily and correctly answer — for Christmas. But that answer needs an understanding that is deep, not superficial.

 

In order to prepare our souls for Christmas why not use this Advent season to fill your heart, and that of your family, by attending daily Mass? 

 

If we do, one of the most notable benefits from that daily exercise during the short four weeks of Advent is to hear each day the readings proclaimed at Mass. And if it might not be possible to get to Mass, individually or as a family, we can go over the Mass readings at home.

 

Either way, we can benefit from the step-by-step preparation of our hearts and our faith offered in those selections from the sacred Scriptures. 

 

Day-by-day, we are reminded of the fullness of the meaning of preparing for Christmas, preparing for the birth of Jesus Christ through Mary. Especially rich for us are the Old Testament readings proclaimed during Advent. Many come from the prophets.

 

The very first reading on the First Sunday of the Advent season, taken from the prophet Jeremiah, begins by saying “The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made … .” 

 

In the midst of this sinful and broken world, Advent reminds us that God has made a great promise — that He would send a savior to rescue us from death. With that opening line, our hearts already begin to be oriented to the meaning of Christmas.

 

By Wednesday of the first week, we are called, in Isaiah 25, to come to the mountain of the Lord. Filled with spiritual symbolism, we are told that the mountain hosts a banquet for God’s people with “rich food and choice wines.” 

 

But even more appealing to the heart, we are told that on that mountain, “God will wipe away the tears from all faces.” This shows God knows of our struggles. And we are assured of His love.

 

By the second week we are told, again in Isaiah, that deserts and parched lands will be made over by God, filled with the smell and color of flowers. 

 

And to make sure that we understand this reading is talking about our consciences and God’s gift of forgiveness, we are told, “Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is our God, He comes with vindication.”

 

By the Third Sunday of Advent, we feel the mounting expectation and joy of God’s coming. In the first reading from Zephaniah, “On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior.”

 

In the last week before Christmas, the readings at Mass seem to intensify in an eight day period of anticipation. The Old Testament readings remind us of the stories of the births of Sampson and Samuel, servants of God consecrated from their conception. Their mothers were told by God’s messengers of the sacred gift of the child they carried.

 

And through that final week, the Gospels at Mass have us walking quietly with Mary and her cousin Elizabeth during their holy pregnancies. Through them we ponder the gift of life, of faith and of Jesus Christ whom we welcome on Christmas Day.

 

As usual, the Christmas season will distract us with many things — the shopping, the cards to be prepared and sent, and the food to be cooked. Will our hearts be prepared for Jesus and His love and for the eternal joy that His birth offers us?

 

Mass throughout the Advent season is an excellent way to make that preparation.