Each year on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, John the Baptist calls us to prepare the way of the Lord.  A major theme of Advent is preparing a way for the Lord. John was a man of courage whose dedicated mission was to prepare us for Jesus’ coming.

We are reminded that the time of the Lord’s coming is not known. Whenever he comes, we must be ready. It takes patience and courage as we wait for the Lord. Our prayer is that while we are waiting, the Lord will come. Lord Jesus Emmanuel come to us!

As we light the second candle on our Advent wreath, we think about the virtue of faith. We remember the humble faith of John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. They teach us the value of trusting in God’s promise no matter how long it may take. What changes must we make to be like these models of humble faith during our Advent journey?

John the Baptist is a voice crying out in the wilderness. As we prepare ourselves to welcome the Lord, we recognize that through our baptism, we cry out for the coming of Jesus, the hope of the world.

In the wilderness of our lives, we experience the voice that calls us to change. The purpose of change is to bring us closer to the Lord as he draws closer to us. Once we hear God’s voice, we find comfort. May our Advent journey make us more attentive to the voice that calls us into life.