As you continue to become more aware of God's awesome presence within and around you, begin now to consider those things that may be blocking the fullness of His love from residing in you. Are you afraid that God may not love you? Do you doubt God? Are you angry with God or the Church? Prideful? Resentful? These are just some ways we might keep our hearts locked and closed off from the fullness of love that God wants to give us.

In many ways, our relationship with God is not unlike our human relationships. If we have been hurt by others (and who among us hasn’t?), we can develop defensive behaviors to keep them at a bit of a distance because we are afraid to be hurt again. We might feel safer there for a while, but before long we will likely feel sad and lonely.

Without realizing it, we can bring these defensive behaviors to our relationship with God, keeping Him at a distance as we do others. God will not force Himself upon us. He is always waiting for us to unlock our hearts, and He just needs a little space to enter.

Today, begin to notice times when you close your heart to God and others.

• Pray the Advent Prayer..

• Click below to play today’s song for reflection.

• Prayerfully read 1 John 4:18-29.

• Ask for the grace of courage to open your heart to receive and give God’s love more fully.

Song: Fear is Easy, Love is Hard