In life, we do so much preparation. When we know that someone is coming to our house, we clean, arrange things, and prepare food for our visitor. When we plan to go somewhere, we prepare. Even students who have exams make their preparations.

Now our churches, homes, and even malls are decorated in preparation for Christmas. Our Church gives us four Sundays of preparation before Christmas. Advent recollections, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and many other programs are offered as part of this outward preparation.

But the preparation that John the Baptist speaks about goes much deeper.

It examines our interior—our spiritual disposition in welcoming Jesus into our hearts, not as a thing or concept, but as a Person. John the Baptist invites us to prepare the way of the Lord—an invitation to a deeper and more meaningful spiritual journey. He spoke with conviction and humility, calling people to repentance and conversion of heart. He understood that genuine conversion is not simply about changing our behavior—it is about opening our hearts so that Christ can enter with the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

In this season of Advent, let us make an interior preparation for the coming of our Savior—the King of Peace, Truth, and Life. Like John the Baptist, who teaches us humility and the essence of Advent by refusing to place himself at the center, we too are called to make room for Christ. His mission was to prepare the way of the Lord.

Let us be like John the Baptist, guiding people to the light of Christ. Let us intensify our focus on prayer, approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation, practice fasting, and offer acts of charity to others. These help us fix our attention on Christ with strong faith and set our hearts aflame for Him alone.

Advent is about shifting our attention back to Christ.
Preparing the way means letting God be the center of our life.