Make Ready His Room
Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way for the coming Messiah,
a bit of winter cleaning for all of us who desire peace. Through reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place. Daily try to make an Advent examination of your heart. Are there feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, or religion? Is there a lingering resentment, an
unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that have
been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Are we
reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other
questions become an Advent "broom" sweeping the darkness out of our hearts to make room for Jesus' blessed manger.

Blessed expectation

What a blessing it is, that in Advent we can expect God's arrival on earth! We have a greater assurance than mere hope, a surer foundation to hold in our hearts. Each year our Advent eyes lift to seek His star with holy knowledge that our Saviour has come and will come again.