The Advent season begins today. It is a time of preparation for our souls, as we turn our hearts and minds to remember our Lord’s promise to come again at the end of time and to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus’ incarnation on Christmas Day.

As we begin the Advent Prayer Calendar, we might ask ourselves a few questions. How does the fact that God became man and will come again change how we live our lives, both during Advent and always? How might we prepare differently this Advent if we knew Jesus was coming again on Christmas Day?

That’s the question we want to ask ourselves throughout this season. As the world tries to pull us away from our focus, let’s continually refocus by asking ourselves: “If Jesus comes again this Christmas Day, am I ready? If not, what do I need to do to prepare?

As you begin this Advent prayer journey, pray for the grace to be open to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I guarantee you, they’ll be the best gifts you receive this Christmas!

• Pray the Advent Prayer.

• Click the video below to listen to today’s song for reflection.

• Prayerfully read 1 Kings 19:9-13.

• Then, ask yourself, “what are you doing here?” Consider what you desire from God and what God desires from you as you begin this Advent journey.

• Ask God for the grace of drawing closer to Him.

Song: We Wait in Hope for the Lord.